Many people think that Toronto is safer than New York, with lower levels of crime and random violence. 

The easiest way to find out is to look at the statistics that the police and the government release. Based on the latest data from Statistics Canada and the Toronto Police, Toronto had a crime severity index of 48.4 in 2019, while New York had a violent crime rate of 596.7 in the same year. These figures indicate that Toronto is safer than New York.

Crime statistics can be misleading and difficult to interpret, given the many factors that can affect them. Crime may be more likely to be reported in one city than another, or the classification and reporting of crimes may vary across jurisdictions. 

Is Toronto a safe city?

Crime rates can fluctuate significantly over time, making it crucial to analyze long-term trends and patterns rather than focusing on a single year’s statistics.

It’s also important to note that there will be more crime in larger cities because more people are there. It’s always important to compare the data as an index instead of a total amount. You can expect to be influenced by reading many media articles coming out about stabbings in Toronto.

Toronto Violent Crime In The Media

Toronto has been the site of several violent crimes that have grabbed the attention of the media. These crimes have left a lasting impact on the citizens of Toronto. 

The first example of violence in Toronto was the terrible Yonge Street Van Attack that took place in April 2018, when a rented van was driven by a loner, intentionally hitting pedestrians along Yonge Street. The brutal attack resulted in the death of 10 people and left sixteen others injured. The media widely covered the incident and raised concerns about safety in Toronto.

In another legal situation, Jane Creba, who was only fifteen years old, was out with her family in Toronto when she was caught in the crossfire of a gang-related shootout. Creba was struck by a stray bullet and died on the spot. The shooting raised alarms about gang violence, and several suspects were arrested and charged in connection with Creba’s murder, with one of them sentenced to life in prison in 2009.

Does Toronto have a high crime rate?

Moving to the next case, the Danforth Shooting, which occurred in July 2018, shook the city when Faisal Hussain opened fire on a busy street in Toronto’s Danforth neighbourhood, killing two people and injuring thirteen others.

The shooter had a history of mental health problems and was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after police engaged him in a firefight. The incident sparked a heated debate about the need for better mental health support in Ontario.

Toronto Shootings and Stabbings

A shooting at the Eaton Centre Mall led to the death of two people and injuries to six others. The shooting was allegedly gang-related, and the suspect, Christopher Husbands, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and five counts of attempted murder. This incident raised concerns about public safety and led to calls for increased security measures in public spaces.

Sammy Yatim was shot and killed by a Toronto police officer on a streetcar. Yatim was holding a knife and refused to drop it when ordered to do so by the police. The incident was recorded on video and led to widespread protests and calls for police accountability. The police officer who shot Yatim was charged with 2nd-degree murder and got six years in prison.

Are there safety concerns in Toronto?

In another terrible situation, Laura Babcock went missing, and her remains were never found. Her ex-boyfriend, Dellen Millard, and his friend, Mark Smich, were found guilty of her murder. The case received extensive media coverage due to the bizarre and disturbing nature of the evidence presented in court, including text messages between Millard and Smich that referred to burning Babcock’s body in an animal incinerator.

Roopesh Rajkumar murdered his young daughter, Riya Rajkumar, whom he had abducted from her mother’s home. Rajkumar was later found dead in a collision with police in his car, just hours after the murder.

What’s causing the violence?

Random stranger attacks come down to bail, mental illness, and drug use. There is a connection between drug use and random violent attacks, as certain drugs like meth and cocaine can make individuals paranoid, agitated, and more likely to display violent behaviour. 

Bail reform is another issue that contributes to the occurrence of random violent attacks. This is because people are advocating for the release of people being held before their trial, which can lead to defendants being held in jail for long periods before their trial. 

How risky is it to live in Toronto?

While some people think this is a positive step towards addressing the problem of being held before your trial, it may also result in violent people being released back into society before their trial, where they may be more likely to commit violent acts.

This can be seen as a failure of the justice system to protect the public. Addressing this issue is essential to ensuring public safety. There must be a debate regarding public safety versus prisoner rights and bail.

While statistically, Toronto is much safer than New York, Ontario must work on its bail and drug policies to keep people safe. Have you been to both cities? Do you think Toronto is dangerous? Is New York more dangerous?