In a recent survey conducted by CBC in downtown Hamilton, the majority of respondents expressed varying degrees of concern regarding the city’s safety. Interestingly, when informed by a reporter that crime rates in Hamilton have consistently remained below both provincial and national averages over the past five years, these individuals were taken aback. This data, as per Statistics Canada’s publication in July, indicates that Hamilton is positioned below provincial and national benchmarks concerning the crime severity index, encompassing Criminal Code violations, drug offenses, and Federal Statutes transgressions.
Moreover, Hamilton has witnessed a steady decline in the homicide rate for the past three years, consistently maintaining levels beneath provincial and federal standards since 2021. Addressing the disparity between public perception and statistical evidence, Chief Frank Bergen of the Hamilton Police Service highlighted the disconnect between people’s feelings of safety and the actual crime trends within the city. Despite positive statistical trends in the crime severity index, the perception of safety among residents remains a concern, as discussed during a community safety summit in November.
During a separate community gathering in May, where attendees voiced worries about safety in the downtown area, police shared data revealing that the average “crime harm” rate in downtown Hamilton aligns with the rest of the city. Community advocate Evelyn Myrie, moderating a panel during the November summit, suggested that recent high-profile crimes, such as the tragic deaths of Belinda Sarkodie and Harsimrat Randhawa in 2025, may contribute to residents feeling unsafe due to the audacious nature of these incidents.
Police analysts, Daniel Mosannef and Samantha Henderson, highlighted potential factors contributing to the perception gap, including issues like “social disorder,” encompassing open drug use, homelessness, public experiences, and external influences like social media.
Despite overall declining crime rates, Hamilton has observed an increase in hate crimes year over year, with 2025 marking a peak in reported incidents over the past decade. Additionally, there has been a rise in youth involvement in violent crimes, with the number of youth-related incidents increasing since 2020, particularly in violent offenses. Analysts noted a significant escalation in the harm associated with crimes, emphasizing the importance of addressing these concerning trends.
In response to the escalating youth involvement in violent crime, law enforcement has issued warnings about incidents involving young individuals, including bear spray attacks and high-profile robberies. The city has also witnessed a notable increase in youth participation in violent offenses, with a substantial rise in the harm associated with these crimes. Analysts stressed that addressing these issues goes beyond policing, requiring a holistic approach involving community, provincial, and national efforts to tackle underlying factors such as economic disparities, gang recruitment, and social media influences.