Windsor crime is up

By Precious Alasa

The Crime rate in Windsor is on the rise. More than 200 more crimes occurred in 2017 compared to 2016.

Windsor’s increased crime rate is becoming a concern for the city. According to the Windsor Police Service Yearly Crime Clock, over the past year, total violations against people increased by 52 incidences and total violations against property increased by 89.5 per cent.

In order to ensure that criminals are brought to justice, the police are partnering with the civilian operated Crime Stoppers Program.

Crime Stoppers is a charitable program that allows members of the community an opportunity to provide anonymous information to help police solve crimes.

The program has been in Windsor since 1985 and is a national and international program that offer cash rewards to whoever provides tips that are helpful to the police.

“Crime Stoppers is very unique for three different reasons. The members of the community can call our program or submit a tip online and remain completely anonymous. In addition, they will never have to attend court for the information they provide if it leads to an arrest and if their tip is helpful in solving a case or crime we also offer cash rewards,” said Const. Kristina Gilboe.

Gilboe, who has been a police coordinator for over a year in the program, said they get roughly 200 tips a month, especially when a major crime hits the radio or media.

According to Gilboe, the rise in crime is mostly caused by the drug culture. Creating awareness, educating the people and community involvement would help reduce crime.

“We always encourage people to go to the police and provide a statement if they do have information. If they are not comfortable doing that then they have the opportunity to report it with us and remain anonymous,” said Gilboe.

Luis Mendez opened True Fitness in August 2017 on Ouellette Avenue and has since noticed the increase in break-ins in the city.

“I think there are crimes that occur, especially in the downtown core and that have been happening in the Windsor area and are drug related,” said Mendez.

Mendez says he believes, people commit petty theft to pay for their drug habit.

“I think there should be more funding, especially from our provincial government.  The City of Windsor needs to fund more money into our policing. We should be having more foot traffic in the downtown core,” said Mendez.

Mandez thinks the police should be given the right to search and ask people questions if they look suspicious.

“We shouldn’t be waiting until crimes occur for police officers to be able to stop them,” said Mendez.

Anyone with information about any crimes can contact Windsor police at 519-255-6700 ext. 4830, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com.