Timmins Police reveal crime stats for the first four months of 2025

The Timmins police said Friday reports of violent crime have decreased, while an online reporting tool led to an increase in reports of shoplifting.

The Timmins Police Service has an online reporting tool that’s been running for about a year and a half. Officials said it’s helped business owners report crime.

“We’re getting more crimes that are being reported to police,” said deputy chief Darren Dinel.

“One of the online crime reporting requirements are lower-end crimes, shoplifting being one of those crimes, so that crime is reported more often on our online portion.”

A total of 193 shoplifting incidents were reported to police from January to April this year, compared to 160 for the same period last year.

Closer look

“So we’ll have to look at that in taking a closer look to see exactly what’s taking place,” said Dinel.

Calls for service about fraud are also up by 25 per cent for the first four months of the year.

“I can’t speak to the exact pieces of the fraud, but again, that’s a crime that we’re noticing that is being reported more often,” said Dinel.

One category that has seen a drop is violent crime, by about 14 per cent. Dinel attributes that to a higher police presence in the field.

He said officers have new technology in their vehicles that allows them to work remotely, thereby maintaining a presence in the public eye.

In terms of staffing, as of June 9, Dinel said the Timmins Police Service has 89 officers and is working up to a full complement of 96.