Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - Members of Middlesex OPP were on hand to explain the 2025 policing statistics for Middlesex Centre at the January 14 council meeting.
And they began with some positive news. Motor vehicle collisions dropped by more than 11% in 2025 from the year before. “Overall, some outcomes were fantastic. We did see an overall reduction in collisions and impaired related incidents. Increased enforcement led to higher traffic charges, which does save lives,” Detachment Commander Dave Barnabi told council.
Following the presentation Barnabi was asked about the ages of drivers typically involved in impaired driving. “With the legalization of marijuana, it would be easier to say our younger generation is more inclined to be impaired by drug or alcohol. But I just don’t have that statistic to say that with absolute confirmation.”
Incidents of violent crime, which includes assault and gun-related incidents were up more than 15% in 2025 from 2024. There were 75 reported incidents last year. “Violent crimes did rise. Some education within those areas and some preventative strategies will take place,” acknowledged Barnabi.
In the area of domestic violence, council was told that continued communication with stakeholders will be a priority moving forward. “Intimate partner situations are very complex and at times victims may not want their partners knowing an incident has occurred or they reported it to police… We are constantly working with victims, and we do several check-ups with them. But ultimately it comes down to a person, a victim, being willing to take that next step,” said Barnabi.
Property crimes showed a mixed result. “Property crimes are on a downward trend. However, break and enters were on the rise a little bit. So, what we will do is use our analysts to get a map of where those break and enters are occurring and then look at getting some strategic focus patrols in those areas,” said Barnabi.
