Advertisement

Winnipeg police say rise in reported assaults downtown linked to meth use: ‘It’s a scourge’

Click to play video: 'Winnipeg police say rise in reported assaults downtown linked to meth use: ‘It’s a scourge’'
Winnipeg police say rise in reported assaults downtown linked to meth use: ‘It’s a scourge’
Winnipeg police believe a rise in violent assaults reported in the city’s downtown is a symptom of a much bigger issue. Police data shows there were 1,161 assaults reported in the downtown last year, a 26 per cent increase over 2021. Marney Blunt reports. – Mar 16, 2023

Winnipeg police believe a rise in violent assaults reported in the city’s downtown is a symptom of a much bigger issue.

Police data shows there were 1,161 assaults reported in the downtown last year, a 26 per cent increase over 2021 and a 31 per cent rise over the five-year average.

Inspector Eric Luke with the Winnipeg Police Service says alcohol and drugs, specifically methamphetamine, are often a factor.

“It’s a scourge on society right now,” Luke told 680 CJOB of meth.

Click to play video: 'Sawed-off shotgun, meth seized after police called for ‘family trouble’ at Winnipeg home'
Sawed-off shotgun, meth seized after police called for ‘family trouble’ at Winnipeg home

“It becomes problematic for individuals in the manner in which they act — they become quite erratic often when using those particular drugs — and it just creates a dangerous situation.”

Story continues below advertisement

Despite the overall increase in reported assaults, the data shows the number of aggravated assaults actually fell last year.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

‘It’s a poison that creates mental illness’

Mitch Bourbonniere, a community outreach worker with the Downtown Community Safety Partnership says cities across Canada are seeing rising crime rates, largely due to similar issues Winnipeg is seeing with drugs like meth.

Bourbonniere says he’s seeing the impacts of the meth crisis firsthand on those he helps.

Click to play video: 'Morberg House resident on overcoming addiction, giving back'
Morberg House resident on overcoming addiction, giving back

“It’s a horrible drug, it’s a poison that creates mental illness, it creates psychosis,” he said. “People can be very unstable and dangerous to themselves and others under its influence.”

Bourbonniere said the city needs immediate treatment options for those needing help with addictions and ultimately wants to see legislation – like that in place for youth – implemented for adults encouraging them to get help.

Story continues below advertisement

In the meantime, Bourbonniere says dealing with the social issues that can lead to crime will take boots on the ground.

“More helpers downtown, more citizen foot patrols, more … people that are dedicated to being helpful in the downtown area,” he said.

Luke says police are planning to do more foot patrols in the area this summer and will continue to work with community organizations.

— with files from Sarah McCarthy

Click to play video: 'Addressing addictions in Winnipeg’s downtown'
Addressing addictions in Winnipeg’s downtown

Sponsored content

AdChoices