Rising Crime Rates Impacting Ontario Neighborhoods

Amar Pathak thought it was her daughter coming home late.

But in reality, the sound of the garage door creaking open around 3 a. m. a few years back wasn’t her child – it was an intruder looking for valuables with a flashlight.

“I was so scared just thinking about what if that guy had come into the house? What if the door had been unlocked?” Pathak, who lives in Oakville, Ont., told Global News.

“Now I hear every day someone’s home is broken into and gets hurt.”

Even though overall robberies in Ontario are finally seeing a slight decrease for the first time in years, violent break-ins and armed home invasions are on the rise – along with calls for increased security.

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Police departments across Toronto, Peel, Durham, and Halton are reporting an increase in residential break-ins involving weapons, often committed by young offenders.

Law enforcement officials, security experts, and community members say that easier access to illegal firearms, insufficient deterrents in the justice system, and well-organized criminal groups are all contributing to this issue.

According to data from Toronto police, residential robberies increased by 49.7 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year – marking the highest rise seen recently. Combined totals show there were over 900 armed robberies in both years – nearly double what was recorded in 2022 and earlier.

Ron Chhinzer, a former officer with Toronto and Peel police who specializes in public safety, shared with Global News that violent break-ins are becoming more frequent and organized.

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“There’s really no consequence to a lot of these criminals,” Chhinzer said. “They can break into a home one day, be out on bail, and then be doing the exact same crime that night.”

He mentioned how the COVID-19 pandemic worsened many underlying issues.

Lockdowns combined with economic hardships as well as mental health struggles led to a surge in drug demand met by street gangs connected to organized crime.

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During his time as an officer, he noticed how organized crime began shifting its focus from auto thefts to home invasions.

“The hardened guys who used to deal drugs started seeing their buddies stealing cars and making big money,” Chhinzer explained. “And they said, ‘Forget this; I’ll do what you do. I’ve already got a gun.’”

“But instead of learning how to steal cars properly, they just thought ‘Why bother? I’ll kick in a front door instead; hold everyone at gunpoint; take watches, cash and keys.’”

In Halton alone, break-ins jumped from 655 cases in 2020 to 1,061 cases in 2024.

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A spokesperson from Toronto’s hold-up squad confirmed that while car theft-related invasions have dipped slightly this year, total home invasions have surged by 105 percent year-to-date.

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“We’ve seen these kinds of cycles before-from rising bank robberies to spikes in carjackings and home invasions,” they noted. “Offenders often shift focus toward what they perceive as easier targets.”

Mario Zelaya is the founder of Dura Film-a growing business focused on home protection-and says fear stemming from real violence is driving interest for protective window film.

Zelaya explained he started his business eight months ago after witnessing how many people were being harmed within their own homes.

“This business shouldn’t even exist but here we are. I’ve installed film for people who’ve been injured badly enough that they’ve required hospital visits,” he shared.

“I’ve heard stories about seniors aged between 65-70 being woken up during their sleep only to be pistol-whipped until they hand over their valuables. Some end up needing stitches or suffer fractured bones. I can’t even imagine how terrifying that must feel.”

1:01 Video shows moment Ontario homeowner scared off four armed home invaders

Dura Film applies thick laminated film inside windows intended not only keeps them intact during blunt force but also slows down potential intruders long enough for help reach them.

“Police officers have literally said just buy them four minutes,” Zelaya remarked. “If we can delay robbers long enough it might save someone’s life.”

The Halton police recently released statistics indicating that almost half-48 percent-of break-ins occur through back patio doors which typically consist of large glass panels easily shattered.

The uptick in violent incidents has also resulted security patrols increasing across various neighborhoods.

“Oakville , Etobicoke , York Region… private security presence has become very common now,” Chhinzer stated. P>The situation appears headed towards individuals hiring private patrols while opting for gated communities or reinforced doors showing how middle-class safety is gradually fading away.”

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A significant factor driving this increase lies within organized crime actively recruiting younger individuals according Chhinzer’s observations.

“Organized crime networks want those under eighteen”, he remarked. “If you look closely at some available statistics , you’ll find numerous offenders aged fifteen or sixteen because they’re shielded under Youth Criminal Justice Act.. with minimal consequences”.

The former officer linked these happenings alongside high youth unemployment rates alongside shrinking job opportunities available legally.

Why work minimum wage jobs when it’s possible earn fifty thousand dollars overnight?” he questioned.

“The financial allure presented through black market opportunities remains huge without facing actual repercussions upon getting caught.”

2:12 Project Ghost: Nearly two hundred charges laid against thirteen members involved within violent criminal network arrested

Peel Police announced completion regarding recent takedown operation aimed at dismantling large scale criminal organization preying upon vulnerable residents including youth.

Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich expressed concern over gang targeting younger individuals has significantly contributed towards uptick observed concerning violent crimes throughout region.

Mississauga Councillor Alvin Tedjo added , “This represents an unusually aggressive organized criminal network terrorizing families whilst drafting impressionable youths into its undertakings.”

Pathak still reflects upon moments she endured during invasion attempt at her residence.

Looking outside her front window , she spotted garage wide open revealing young male inside searching valuables utilizing flashlight sourced from phone. When she gently tapped glass surface startled him causing flee alongside two other accomplices nearby.”P>( We didn’t realize there existed another vehicle plus two associates positioned holding objects resembling weaponry.”)

I can only imagine what could’ve happened if they’d entered my house!P( Afterward discovering perpetrator gained entry via remote discovered tucked away within vehicle )”. When contacting authorities immediately afterward unfortunately no arrests occurred.

3:10 Ontario couple terrified after violent break-in at their residence

Zelaya warns that as instances continue climbing up violence leaves permanent impact onto victims’ lives.” “‘Some individuals suffer trauma long-lasting effects,’ he explains.’Many don’t feel secure anymore even within spaces supposed provide sanctuary.’“

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