Stats Canada recently released their Crime Severity Index (CSI) report for 2021, which has shown that businesses in Western Canada need to do more to improve their security measures.
The CSI report tracks changes in the severity of police reported crime. The number takes into consideration the prevalence of crime in an area and the seriousness of the crimes. The higher these numbers are, the more severe crime is in that area, which has a huge impact on quality of life for individuals and communities.
Across the country, the CSI was 73.7 - but provincial data shows the CSIs in Western Canada far surpassed the rates of other provinces, as well as the national average.
Saskatchewan 146.76
Manitoba 126.92
Alberta 101.36
British Columbia 92.86
New Brunswick 88.48
Newfoundland & Labrador 75.50
Nova Scotia 71.60
Prince Edward Island 56.95
Ontario 56.21
Quebec 54.30
While Saskatchewan had a decrease in fraud and B&Es, the province has seen an increase in mischief crimes as well as robbery and theft $5,000 and under. They also had increased homicides at 5.93 per 100,000 as well as increased motor vehicle theft, violent firearm offences and sexual assault.
Manitoba had a decrease in shoplifting of $5,000 and under but also had an increase in assault, uttering threats and violent firearm offenses. There was also an increase in theft of $5,000 or under.
In Alberta, there was an increase in sexual assaults. Decreases were seen in B&Es and theft $5,000 and under.
Similarly, British Columbia had a decrease in B&Es and theft $5,000 and under but increases in homicide and sexual assault.
This increase in crime shows a need for improved strategies to deter and reduce crime in Western Canada.
How can Western Canada businesses improve their security?
One of the best ways in which businesses in Western Canada can enhance their security measures is by installing Sonitrol verified security.
Sonitrol verified security helps keep your business protected while ensuring quick police response. This is because every alarm is verified. If it is a false alarm, security professionals will reset the alarm. If there’s a crime in progress, security professionals will contact the authorities.
Because of this verification, police will respond in 3.5 minutes on average to Sonitrol alarms - resulting in a greater likelihood of apprehension and less time for damage to be done. This is significantly faster than traditional CCTV system response times, which can be upwards of 45 minutes.
Furthermore, in some jurisdictions, authorities either no longer respond to alarms unless they are verified or they charge large fees for responding to false alarms. These two options are costly for your business.
One additional benefit is that criminals know that Sonitrol alarms get such quick responses, so they will avoid our systems whenever possible. That means simply showing that you have a Sonitrol system is enough to stop crime from happening in the first place.
Interested in learning more? Get a free security plan from the Sonitrol Western Canada team of security professionals today.
