328 assault cases reported to police last month in Mississauga and Brampton

Assault cases are once again on the upswing in Peel Region, with police receiving reports of over 300 incidents in the last 30 days, in Mississauga and Brampton.

According to Peel Regional Police data from Sept. 6 – Oct. 7 (2023), there was a whopping 328 cases related to assaults— which is equivalent to 10 or more crimes of this kind being committed each day.

Of the 328 combined assaults across both cities— 157 were in Mississauga and 171 in Brampton.

Compared to the same time last year ( Jun. – Jul. of 2022) the assault count was sitting at a low number of 20 incidents collectively for Mississauga and Brampton.

Police data also indicates that in the last two months: Aug. to Jun. and Jun. to Jul., assault cases have gone down by 30.5 per cent — offering some relief to residents regarding  safety concerns in the region.

Below is a map detailing where the incidents took place:

The data further highlights the top 3 common hotspots for crimes involving assault, which include:

• Glen Erin Dr.
• Goreway Dr.
• Dundas St.

One piece of information not mentioned in the police data, are the specific types of assault involved in each case or what injuries (if any) were sustained by the victim.

However, of the 328 assault crimes this past month, investigators have successfully solved 264 cases while 36 are ongoing and 28 remain unsolved.

Recent months have also seen a concerning trend of sexual assaults on young teens who appear to be alone. In Brampton, a 14-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted in a local park. In another case, an 11-year-old girl, approached by a stranger trying to sell sunglasses, became a victim of sexual assault. Fortunately, in these incidents, the perpetrators were apprehended.

However, this is not always the outcome. In July, (2023) a nine-year-old boy was sexually assaulted inside the washroom at Mississauga’s Square One Shopping Mall, and the suspect remains at large.

Amid the gradual decline in assaults, Peel Police offer valuable safety tips for residents, emphasizing measures to protect themselves.

• Avoid opening the door to people you don’t know. Learn to respond safely by speaking through a closed and locked door.
• Plan your route and avoid short cuts through vacant lots or unlit areas.
• Familiarize yourself with the nearest police stations and 24/7 stores.
• Avoid being alone by getting a friend to accompany you.
• Lock your car after getting in. Avoid lingering around in the parking lot. Drive away as soon as you can.
• If someone tries to take your purse/bag, do not resist. Instead, head to a safe location and immediately call the police. Defend yourself only in the event that you are being physically assaulted.
• If you think you are being followed, do not drive/walk home as you don’t want the person to know where you live. Instead, consider driving or walking to the nearest police station or open service station.