From tragic crashes to unusual crimes, Ontario’s most-read crime stories of 2024 captured a mix of shock, intrigue, and heartbreak. Crime and police stories continue to be a focal point for readers, and last year was no exception.
Here’s a look back at the stories that gripped Ontario residents in 2024:
1. Two Ontario Cities Among Canada’s Most Dangerous Rankings
While Ontario doesn’t have the highest crime rates in Canada, two of its cities made the top 10 in a ranking of the nation’s most dangerous communities. The study highlighted that western Canada continues to experience higher rates of home burglaries, with Winnipeg leading the pack.
2. Infant Among Four Killed in Highway 401 Police Pursuit
A tragic wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby shook the province on April 30. After a robbery at an LCBO in Bowmanville, police pursued a suspect driving a U-Haul van. The van entered the highway in the wrong direction, leading to a collision that claimed four lives, including an infant.
3. International Students Charged in Oakville Car Break-In Spree
Car thefts saw a troubling rise in 2024, with a notable case in Oakville involving four international students. Police charged the individuals with breaking into up to 25 vehicles, stealing cash, debit cards, and credit cards. The case highlighted concerns over growing vehicle-related crimes in the region.
4. Police Renew Appeal in 14-Year-Old Murder Case
The unsolved murder of Orangeville nurse Sonia Varaschin resurfaced as police renewed their appeal for public assistance. Varaschin disappeared in August 2010, and her body was discovered days later in a wooded area in Caledon. The renewed investigation aims to bring closure to this long-standing case.
5. Naked Man Spies on Woman After Scaling Building
One of the year’s most bizarre incidents occurred in Niagara. Police apprehended a man who had climbed between two buildings, naked from the waist down, to spy on a woman in her bathroom. The unusual escape attempt and subsequent arrest sparked widespread attention.
These stories reflect the diverse and often troubling crime issues that captured public attention last year. As Ontario continues to address these challenges, police and communities remain committed to promoting safety and justice.