St. John's releases feedback on crime and violence prevention strategy

The City of St. John’s is developing a comprehensive crime and violence prevention strategy.

The primary focus of this strategy is to address the root causes of violence and crime, particularly for children, youth, young adults, and their families.

Recently, the City released a "What We Heard" report summarizing findings from public engagement which took place in February and March on the development and facilitation of a new crime and violence prevention strategy.

Highlights of the report:

• Root Causes of Crime: It was believed that the most significant root cause of violence is poverty, with other causes being drugs and addictions, housing crisis/homelessness, lack of health care and mental health services.

• Crime and Violence Trends: Most participants believe there has been a significant increase in crime and violence citywide and in neighbourhoods over the past two years. The top forms of violence or crime that were perceived as being an issue at the neighbourhood level were vehicle thefts and break-ins, drug use and trafficking, reckless driving, and noise disturbances. The top form of violence and crime experienced were threats, criminal harassment/stalking, physical assault, theft and stolen property.

• Perception of Safety: Most participants feel safe in their homes and believe that neighbourhoods are generally safe with neighbours looking out for one another.

• Reporting and Non-reporting of Crimes: Most participants who experienced violence or crime reported it to the police. Of those who did not report, the top reasons identified were the belief nothing would change, a lack of confidence in the legal system, and a lack of confidence in police.

• Personal and Home Security Measures: The most common routine changes and security measures reported were always locking windows and doors, installing lights, new locks and security bars, using alarms and surveillance systems, leaving lights on and avoiding walking alone at night.

• Top security measures: Keeping lights on, installing lights/alarms/surveillance, installing new locks/security bars.
  

Recommendations: participants made a number of recommendations to address the root causes of violence and crime. Some of these include actions to address poverty and homelessness, increased collaboration and coordination between all levels of government, enhanced education and training and increased funding, resources and community programming. Staff will identify relevant recommendations for the City and eligible activities for the Building Safer Communities Fund.