Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN BIDDULPH – Inspector Ross Stuart, Detachment Coordinator for the Middlesex Detachment, and Detective Sergeant Adam Seltzer presented the Annual Report of the Ontario Provincial Police to council.
One of the most striking updates from the report was the increase in calls for service, which had already risen by 20% in 2023 and continued to climb by another 10% in 2024. This uptick signals higher levels of police activity and community engagement, as well as a reflection of more people reaching out to the police for assistance, contributing to a busier workload for officers.
Traffic-related incidents were also highlighted in the report, with motor vehicle collisions seeing a notable rise. While the number of fatal accidents remained unchanged, property damage-related collisions increased, alongside a surge in traffic-related criminal charges, including impaired and dangerous driving. This increase in enforcement efforts demonstrates the OPP’s commitment to improving road safety. A significant rise in RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) operations further supports the province’s commitment to tackling impaired driving.
Another key area of focus was violent crime. Although there was a slight uptick in offenses involving threats of violence, incidents like assaults and firearm-related offenses saw a decrease. When it comes to property crimes, there was a notable 27% decrease overall, with thefts from vehicles dropping by 35%. The OPP credits its nighttime patrols for helping reduce such crimes. Local authorities continue to encourage residents to report even the smallest thefts, as they can provide valuable information about crime patterns and help law enforcement respond accordingly.
Fraud-related offenses also showed a decline of 21%, reflecting the ongoing public education efforts aimed at raising awareness about scams and protecting vulnerable individuals. As technology continues to play a larger role in our lives, the OPP is also urging the community to use tools like Apple AirTags and surveillance cameras to assist with crime prevention.
One of the most impactful developments in policing has been the implementation of mental health crisis response teams. Officers are now accompanied by mental health professionals on calls, reducing the stigma associated with mental health crises and ensuring individuals in distress are directed toward the right care.
The OPP emphasized that they will continue to monitor accident hotspots, adjust traffic enforcement measures, and prioritize public safety. They also reassured residents that they remain responsive to the evolving needs of the community, aiming to foster greater cooperation between local authorities and the public.