CRIME RATE DOWN IN SASKATCHEWAN FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR

The report released today by the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics shows a decrease of 4 per cent in Saskatchewan's total crime rate in 2006. This is the third consecutive year of decline in the provincial rate. There was a drop of just under 2 per cent in 2004, followed by a drop of 6 per cent in 2005.

"The 2006 data tell us that our programs are having an impact," Industry and Resources and First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag said, speaking on behalf of Justice Minister Frank Quennell. "We believe that we have turned a corner and that what we are seeing is a downward trend."

The overall reduction in crime was largely due to a 13 per cent drop in property crime, led by an 18 per cent decline in break-ins. There was also a 14 per cent drop in other theft.

Sonntag said the province's property crime rate is now at its lowest level in more than 25 years.

A total of 135,104 Criminal Code incidents, not including traffic incidents, were reported in Saskatchewan in 2006. About 15 per cent of all crimes reported in Saskatchewan are violent in nature. Of the remainder 35 per cent were property related offences, and the rest (50 per cent) were "other" Criminal Code incidents. The bulk of offences in the "other" category (79 per cent) were mischief, disturbing the peace and administration of justice offences such as bail violations and failure to appear in court.

The crime rate for the Census Metropolitan Area of Saskatoon declined by 9 per cent, driven by a 23 per cent decrease in break and enter offences. In the Regina Census Metropolitan Area the crime rate fell by 8 per cent primarily as a result of a drop of 16 per cent for break and enters and 7 per cent for motor vehicle thefts.

Sonntag said the province continues to address offending by promoting integrated, targeted, community-based approaches to crime reduction.

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For more information, contact:

Andrew Dinsmore
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8606
Email: adinsmore@justice.gov.sk.ca