Intimate partner violence assaults are on the rise, contributing to an overall increase in assault incidents in Collingwood.
During the Jan. 16 Collingwood OPP Detachment Board meeting, detachment commander Insp. Loris Licharson brought forward Collingwood crime statistics for October, November and December 2024, comparing numbers to the same time the previous year.
Assaults were up 45 per cent over 2023 numbers. When looking further into the data, Licharson told the board that most of the uptick locally is attributable to intimate partner violence investigations.
“I think there are a number of reasons for that,” he said. “One, I think, is better data with work done by our domestic violence co-ordinator.”
He also noted there was an increase in “social disorder” assaults, when alcohol or drugs were involved.
“I think there may be an impact given the economic times we’re in, given the cost-of-living crisis and everything we’re dealing with as a society right now,” said Licharson. “There are increased stressors across the board.”
Mayor Yvonne Hamlin said she was happy to see a deeper dive into data.
“I know, a year or so ago, (domestic violence) wasn’t even a category that was broken out,” said Hamlin. “I’m happy this is on your radar.”
Chair Claire Tucker-Reid noted that she was under the impression that domestic violence is on the rise provincially, not just in Collingwood.
“I know a lot of communities have raised it as a significant concern. It’s a concern at all our detachments,” Licharson responded.
While Licharson does give board members a written report, it is not made available to the public aside from the statistics he chooses to highlight in a verbal update.
Also discussed during the meeting was a low number of distracted driving charges. Provincial appointee to the board Mike Edwards asked why the number was low, despite feeling like he sees distracted driving happening all the time.
Licharson said there are more vehicle stops for suspicion of distracted driving, but there’s a higher level of proof required before a charge can be laid, which can be difficult.
“Some of those stops will lead to other charges, just not that particular offence,” he said. “I know our officers are looking for it.”
Collingwood OPP Const. Andrew Thomas supervises the unit that oversees those types of charges, and attended the meeting as well.
“It’s ever-present. We all see it when we’re out driving. There are evidentiary hurdles we have to overcome as officers to satisfy that charge,” said Thomas. “When the evidence is clear, we will lay that charge. And it’s a doozy, from a financial and demerit point standpoint.”
Licharson noted a rash of vehicle break-ins that took place over the holidays. He said through the assistance of home security cameras in the area, the police were able to identify the individuals responsible. The two individuals charged are now facing more than 50 criminal charges in relation to the thefts.
“We got a lot of calls and our officers were hard at work investigating,” said Licharson. “It was great work by the troops on the road.”
Break-and-enters overall were up. Licharson said break-and-enters also correspond with an increase in frauds locally when stolen debit or credit cards are used. About half of the break-and-enters last quarter were from sheds and garages, while 15 per cent were only attempted.
“It’s alarming. It also increased our mischiefs by 50 per cent,” said Licharson.
There were six robberies last quarter. Three of those were at businesses, and two involved youths. There were two arrests, with charges laid.
“A robbery is a theft with violence,” said Licharson.
However, Licharson said the holiday spree accounted for the large uptick, noting if it hadn’t happened that break-and-enters would have been down for the quarter.
Collingwood OPP did 125 RIDE checks in the fourth quarter of 2024. Nine impaired drivers were charged through those checks.
The detachment’s mental-health response unit responded to 70 first-response calls, made eight apprehensions, 25 outreaches, 135 connections/referrals and 115 follow-up calls.
The Collingwood OPP street crime unit investigated 24 occurrences and seized about $14,000 in drugs, three handguns and $5,000 in cash.
