HRPS Reports Significant Reduction in Crime During First Half of 2026

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is reporting significant reductions in crime during the first half of 2026, including an 18.4 per cent decrease in violent crime and an 11.4 per cent decrease in property crime.

The results are outlined in the Service’s 2026 Mid-Year Performance Report, which examines January-to-June crime and enforcement statistics, identifies emerging trends and compares results with previous years.

Overall, 6,623 criminal offences were reported during the first six months of 2026, a decrease of 900 offences, or 12.0 per cent, compared with the same period in 2025. When population growth is considered, the overall crime rate decreased by 14.6 per cent.

Violent crime decreased from 1,292 offences to 1,054, an 18.4 per cent reduction. Property crime also continued its downward trend, falling from 5,561 offences to 4,929, a decrease of 11.4 per cent.

The reduction in property crime continues a trend that began in 2025, following five consecutive years of increases. Property crime during the first half of 2026 was approximately 22 per cent below the six-month peak recorded in 2024.

Several significant reductions were recorded across major property crime categories, including theft, break and enter, fraud and mischief.

Auto Theft

The Service also continues to see a decline in motor vehicle theft. There were 509 auto thefts reported during the first six months of 2026, down from 542 during the same period last year. This continues the decline from the 2024 peak, when 796 auto thefts were reported during the first six months of the year.

The decline in auto theft supports an objective identified in the HRPS 2024-2027 Strategic Plan to reduce auto theft by 50 per cent.

Other Trends

While overall crime declined, the report identifies a number of other trends during the first half of the year.

Impaired driving apprehensions increased by 14.0 per cent, from 214 to 244.

Motor vehicle collisions increased by 4.4 per cent, while injury collisions decreased slightly. There were two fatal collisions during both periods.

Total enforcement, including Provincial Offence Notices (tickets) and warning notices, decreased by 11.1 per cent.

The Service responded to more than 75,000 events during the first six months of 2026, representing a slight increase from the same period last year.

HRPS Performance Compared with the “Big 12”

The report also examines HRPS’ 2025 full-year performance in comparison with the Big 12 - the 12 largest municipal and regional police services in Ontario - using data released by Statistics Canada in July 2026.

Among the Big 12 services included in the comparison, Halton recorded the lowest violent crime rate and property crime rate in 2025. Halton also recorded the lowest overall Crime Severity Index, Violent Crime Severity Index and Non-violent Crime Severity Index among the Big 12.

The Crime Severity Index provides a measure that considers both the volume of police-reported crime and the relative seriousness of offences.

“The results from the first half of 2026 are encouraging and reflect the hard work of our members and the strong partnerships we have throughout our communities,” said Chief of Police Stephen Tanner. “We are seeing significant reductions in violent crime, property crime and motor vehicle theft, continuing positive trends from last year. Despite these reductions, far too many continue to be victims of auto theft, break and enters and other crimes. Our community is counting on us to step up, and we will continue delivering results for them, making every positive impact that we can.”

“The Statistics Canada data also provides valuable context for our performance. While we recognize that every community has unique circumstances, the results show that Halton continues to record comparatively low levels of crime and crime severity when measured against the other members of the Big 12.”

The 2026 Mid-Year Performance Report is available on the HRPS website here.

Message from Chief Stephen Tanner video here.

Media Inquiries:
Halton Regional Police Service
Media Relations
Phone: 905-825-4899
Email: corpcomm@haltonpolice.ca