Survey findings
The firm surveyed 800 residents of Kitchener on Oct. 22 and 23 through automated phone calls. Participants were asked about seven types of offenses and whether they believed each had increased. They were also questioned if they thought crime had risen across Canada over the past year. The results have a margin of error of 3.46 percentage points, with a confidence level of 19 out of 20. Here are the key findings from the survey: 70 per cent believe that crime in Canada overall has increased.66 per cent believe homicides, which include murder or manslaughter, have risen.68 per cent believe assaults, referring to physical attacks without weapons, have gone up.71 per cent feel robberies have become more common.66 per cent think break-ins to homes or businesses have increased.64 per cent believe motor vehicle thefts, meaning stolen cars or trucks, have risen as well.67 per cent think fraud and cybercrime, such as online scams or identity theft, has increased too.63 per cent feel hate-motivated crimes are on the rise. The survey highlighted that most Kitchener residents perceive an increase in crime across various categories; however, there’s a notable discrepancy between public perception and police data regarding violent crimes specifically. According to Waterloo Regional Police data from all of 2024, there were five homicides recorded in Waterloo Region; by mid-October 2025, this figure fell to just two. Despite this decline, 66 percent of residents still believe that the murder rate is increasing. Police statistics also show a decrease in shootings; there were 16 reported shootings from January to November of 2025 compared to 19 during the same timeframe last year.The ‘dark figure’ of crime
James Popham, an associate professor in criminology at Wilfrid Laurier University, explains that the disconnect between public perception and reality often arises because violent crimes receive more media attention. “That shapes how people think about safety even if those events are actually quite rare,” he said. Popham notes that ironically enough, homicides serve as one clear indicator for researchers since murder rates are almost never underreported. “We know with relatively concrete information what the actual rates of crime are for homicides,” he explained. For other types of crimes though, things aren’t so clear-cut; many incidents go unreported to authorities according to him. “The data we have comes mostly from police-reported statistics; there’s often a gap known as the dark figure of crime,” he mentioned. This “dark figure” contributes to misperceptions around safety. “People see acts of disorder locally-like graffiti-which can greatly affect their fear around criminal activity,” he remarked.Popham highlights social media’s role in shaping public views on crime as well; while community groups on platforms like Facebook can help inform people about suspicious activities they can also amplify fear.”
“Popham remarked.” There’s often ineffective moderation which leads misleading portrayals about what’s happening within neighborhoods.”
PochamChtyiktsmith also mentionsthat concerns regarding homelessness may heighten anxiety amongst locals ; yet , she herself does not view it negatively,”I see them as individuals”.“ This is my community , my neighborhood ” concluded Schmidt.
The police response
Waterloo Regional Police Chief Mark Crowell acknowledges these concerns expressed within surveys “We realize perception holds significant weight for many individuals ,”he conveyed during an interview.“ Any localized incident could heavily influence someone’s perspective regarding security issues.” Crowell pointed out currently , the region ranks fourth highest among Ontario ’ s twelve biggest law enforcement agencies concerning violent offenses. Nevertheless , there ‘ s evidence showing improvements within certain areas ; for instance , reports indicate robberies & break-and-enters dropped by fifteen percent.In addition , Crowell noted what he’s termed “an explosion ”of fraud/cybercrimes emerging along with increases seen recently regarding hate-focused violations.
“There’s much nuance involved when analyzing perceptions from surveys,”he articulated.
Possible solutions
Asserting public anxieties shouldn’t go unaddressed regardless if contradicted by official statistics. Popham warns frequently authorities aim at alleviating fear comprehensively across communities risking neglect toward unique personal accounts deviating away from policing reports.
This approach risks leaving affected individuals feeling overlooked or disregarded.”<
Popham advocates enhancements such as improved lighting options & local watch initiatives alongside heightened visible presence amongst law enforcement personnel which could positively impact overall feelings towards safety measures existing within given locales ; < However, Popham cautioned against proposing universal solutions due differences inherent amongst backgrounds leading some individuals arriving from regions plagued previously experiencing corruption concerning those meant overseeing neighborhood orderliness/Pohpm pointed out. And ultimately crowell suggests observers look beyond mere yearly fluctuations focusing instead long-term patterns observing movements occurring spanning periods lasting five years plus presented crucial insights into ongoing developments experienced throughout respective communities./Pohm reiterated pledging continual engagement efforts aimed addressing constituents’ worries revolving around societal safety concerns.< LISTEN | How do people in Kitchener feel about crime in the city? : The Morning Edition – K-W7:32How do people In kitchner feel concerned surrounding criminal matters?
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