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Crimes by Saskatoon youth have seen a staggering increase in the last five years, especially where the offences involve violence.
Since 2019, Saskatoon has seen an increase “in the severity of the crime, weapons-related incidents and firearms,” said The Saskatoon Police Service. (Graph by Céline Grimard/650 CKOM)
In an email to 650 CKOM, the Saskatoon Police Service said, “City-wide, Saskatoon has seen an increase in overall crime (both adult and youth responsible) since 2019, particularly in the severity of the crime, weapons-related incidents and firearms”
There was an overall increase of 115 per cent in crime committed by children in Saskatoon when comparing 2019 to the first 11 months of 2024:
Violent and Property, Youth Crime, 2019 – Nov. 2024. (Céline Grimard/650 CKOM)
Total violent crimes have increased by 113 per cent since 2019
- Assaults and robberies saw the largest increase.
Total Property Crimes have increased by 62.5 per cent since 2019.
- With theft under $5,000 and mischief/willful damages seeing the most increases.
Property Crimes – Youth, 2019 – 2024. (Céline Grimard/650 CKOM)
Total other crimes saw an increase of 131 per cent since 2019
- Weapons possessions and other criminal codes increased the most.
The Saskatoon Police Service also noted that “the assault category includes all types of assault from common assault which can be a punch to the face to assault with a weapon”, adding the Other Criminal Code section includes mainly breaches of conditions or failing to attend, but also some other “less common types of incidents.”
Police Chief address youth crime on The Evan Bray Show
Saskatoon Police Chief Cam McBride spoke on The Evan Bray Show on Dec. 10 noting he doesn’t know why youth crime has increased drastically but said it could have something to do with the isolation of COVID-19.
“That’s so so concerning to me because it tells me that young people are demonstrating a greater propensity to utilize violence,” said McBride.
“I’m worried about the lack of support, or the lack of, you know, a sense of belonging in a safe and supported space. And so they’re looking for it elsewhere, looking for it in the wrong crowds of people.”
McBride said programs like the school resource officers and summer/year-round programming help create healthy connections to the police. “Contributing where we can is a priority for me,” said McBride.
*Some youth crimes from 2024 have not been included in these statistics as they were gathered on Dec. 4, 2024.
Homicides within the City of Saskatoon have increased by 67 per cent according to the latest statistics released by the Saskatoon Police Service. The statistics were based on both the first and second quarters of 2024 compared to 2023. (Leaflet | Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL)
Homicides contribute to overall crime in Saskatoon in 2024
This year Saskatoon has had one of its highest in murders rounding out to 14 so far. The highest number of homicides is 16 since the 80’s with 14 being the second highest.
The west side of the South Saskatchewan River saw 13, while one just crossed to the east.
Homicides, stalking and robbery are just a few of the crimes trending upward in Saskatoon, according to the Saskatoon Police Service’s Quarterly Crime Activity and Trends back in August.
Crime rates are closely tied to socioeconomic factors, according to police.
Bear spray incidents have also increased in the city, ranging from happening on city buses, in Midtown Plaza to people just trying to fill up with gas. In August, there had already been 140 incidents.
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