Crime In Canada Decreases 7 Percent; Toronto, Quebec Log Lowest Rates

Ottawa, Canada (AHN) - There has been a 7 percent decrease in crimes committed in Canada. Toronto and Quebec logged the lowest crime rates, according to a report released on Friday by Statistics Canada.

By area, the data showed 4,461 crimes per 100,000 residents in Toronto and 4,524 crimes per resident in Quebec.

By nature of offense, almost all types of crimes decreased, particularly counterfeiting and property offenses. The exceptions were drug offenses, which went up 4 percent, and impaired driving, which surged 3 percent.

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson said while he was happy with the overall drop in crime, more police work needs to be done to further reduce crimes.

"We've sent out a very clear message since being elected that we are and will be tough on crime, and that's a centerpiece of our agenda... We have raised the profile of the challenges that crime presents in this country and it's a very consistent message we have been delivering since our election," Nicholson told the Sun Media.

One alarming trend, though, is the involvement of more young people in criminal activities. According to Statistics Canada, 176,000 Canadians between the ages 12 to 17 were accused of a criminal offense in 2007, more than double the number in the mid-1980s.