Saskatoon crime rate highest in Canada; Regina No. 2

For the first time, Saskatoon has recorded the highest crime rate in the country, ending Regina’s long reign at the top.

The police-reported crime rate in Saskatoon rose three per cent in 2014, while Regina saw a four per cent decrease, Statistics Canada said Wednesday.

Saskatoon’s crime rate of 8,229 per 100,000 people was the highest in the country, followed by Regina with 7,858 per 100,000 people.

The crime severity index in Saskatoon was up 10 per cent compared to 2013. That increase was mainly driven by a large increase in break and enters, StatsCan said.

Saskatchewan had the highest crime rate and highest crime severity index among the provinces, despite having seen two per cent declines in both categories. The province had a crime rate of 10,505 per 100,000 people.

The report notes the decrease in the crime severity index was primarily linked to a decline in police-reported incidents of trafficking, production or distribution of cocaine in Saskatchewan.

Canada’s crime rate and crime severity index both declined for an 11th straight year to the lowest levels since 1969 and 1998, respectively.

Most offences were down between 2013 and 2014 but some crimes were on the rise, including child pornography and terrorism.