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

Assault-related crimes pose a growing concern in the Peel region, with over 300 incidents reported to police in the last 31 days in Mississauga and Brampton.

According to Peel Regional Police data from Oct. 3 – Nov. 3 (2023), there was a whopping 337 cases related to assaults— which is equivalent to 10 or more crimes of this kind being committed each day.

Of the 337  combined assaults across both cities— 151 were in Mississauga and 186 in Brampton.

Compared to the same time last year (Oct. – Nov. of 2022) the assault count was sitting at a low number of 13 incidents collectively for Mississauga and Brampton.

Police data also indicates that in the last two months: Aug. to Sept. and Sept. to Oct., assault cases have gone down by 34.4 per cent — offering some relief to residents regarding  safety concerns in the region.

Below is a map detailing where the incidents took place:

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

• Glen Erin Drive
• Goreway Drive
• Lakeshore Road

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 337 assault crimes this past month, investigators have successfully solved 297 cases while 49 are ongoing and 47 remain unsolved.

In a significant incident this month, a Peel Police officer, who has been suspended since Feb. 10 (2023)  is facing assault charges related to an on-duty altercation with another man.

Investigators haven’t released details on the “interaction” or what type of injuries the man reportedly sustained, but said that the man in distress was arrested and taken to hospital with “serious injuries.”

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.