Winnipeg police launch initiative to tackle crime in Osborne Village

The Winnipeg Police Service is increasing its presence in Osborne Village to combat crime in the area.

The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) is launching an initiative to put an end to the rising rate of crime in the Osborne Village area.

On Thursday, police announced a focused operation, called the “Osborne Village Violent Crime Reduction Initiative,” to address crime and restore safety to the area.

Through this initiative, police will increase their presence in priority zones with both uniformed and plainclothes officers. The WPS will also conduct checks to ensure offenders released on bail are following their conditions.

Police said this approach is about their commitment to the community, adding that they are listening to residents and local businesses and working with stakeholders to create change.

“Recent acts of violence have included stabbing, assaults, thefts and bear spray incidents – all that have no place in our society,” said Insp. Max Waddell with the WPS.

“Our objective here is simple and straightforward and will include an intelligence-led and zero tolerance approach to any and all street crime.”

Police explained that recent data shows the need for this new initiative.

In 2023, there were 392 violent crimes reported in Osborne Village – a 59 per cent increase compared to 2022.

The WPS noted that though violent crime in the area decreased by 12 per cent in 2024, it was still 47 per cent higher than the five-year average.

Preliminary data for this year is consistent with 2024, though there’s been a 44 per cent increase in assaults and a slight decrease in robberies.

Mridul Vohra, a business owner in the area, said the crime has been so frequent it has him considering closing up shop.

“The problem is the same people who keep coming back, keep coming back,” he said.

“Then the worst thing is if someone got arrested, [they] will be out in an hour and come back to our place…I really hope this will change.”

Police remind Osborne Village residents and business owners to remain vigilant, share tips and support efforts to stop violence.