Despite the start of a new year, crime in Mississauga and Brampton shows no signs of abating. Peel Regional Police have reported 43 robberies across the two cities from January 1 to January 18, averaging more than two incidents per day.
The breakdown of these crimes reveals troubling trends: 25 robberies occurred in Mississauga, while Brampton accounted for 18. Alarmingly, 15 of these incidents involved firearms, 14 featured other weapons, and the remaining 14 were categorized as “other” by police.
As of January 18, 13 cases have been resolved, but 30 remain under investigation, leaving many residents concerned about safety in their neighborhoods.
Peel police have pinpointed three primary hotspots for robberies this month, each reporting three incidents:
- City Centre Drive
- Dundas Street
- Dixie Road
Comparisons to last year’s data paint an even grimmer picture. Between January 1 and January 18, 2024, nine robberies were recorded—six in Mississauga and three in Brampton. Of these, eight occurred on a single day, January 18, with two taking place just minutes apart in Mississauga’s South Millway area.
This year, robberies have skyrocketed by an astonishing 377%, raising serious concerns about public safety and policing resources’
Several violent incidents have made headlines this month, including:
- Carjackings targeting two elderly men in their 70s in Mississauga.
- A man allegedly bound and forced to withdraw cash in Mississauga.
- A Brampton home invasion where a victim was shot, leading to a Canada-wide warrant for the suspect.
Peel Regional Police have not disclosed details regarding arrests or injuries related to these crimes, leaving many questions unanswered.
Safety Tips for Residents and Businesses
To mitigate risks, Peel police recommend the following precautions:
- Install and maintain a working surveillance system.
- Ensure proper lighting inside and outside properties.
- Train staff on robbery prevention techniques.
- Reduce cash on hand by conducting frequent drops.
- Use low shelving to improve visibility in stores.
- Arrange shelves to allow clear sightlines from sales counters.
- Remove excessive window signage to maintain visibility.
- Police urge victims to report robberies immediately to aid investigations and ensure public safety.
With nearly half of January still remaining, officials and residents alike are bracing for the possibility of even higher crime figures before the month’s end. As the numbers rise, concerns over community safety and calls for effective crime prevention measures grow louder.