330 assaults reported to police last month in Mississauga and Brampton

In the Peel region, concerns are escalating over assault-related crimes, as over 300 incidents have been reported to police in the last 31 days in Mississauga and Brampton — a trend persisting for the third consecutive month.

Between Nov. 1 and Dec. 2, Peel Regional Police recorded 330 assault cases—reflecting an average of ten or more daily incidents during this period.

Of the 33o  combined assaults across both cities— 154 were in Mississauga and 176 in Brampton.

Compared to the same time last year (Nov. – Dec. of 2022) the assault count was sitting at a low number of 20 incidents collectively for Mississauga and Brampton.

Police data also revealed a decrease in assault cases of approximately 23.3 per cent over the last two months, from Sept. to Oct. and Oct. to Nov. This decline may have provided residents with a sense of relief regarding safety concerns.

Below is a map detailing where the incidents took place:

The data further highlights the top 1o common hotspots— this month—for crimes involving assault. This includes:

• City Centre Drive
• Hurontario Street
• Kennedy Road
• Knightsbridge Road
• Lakeshore Road
• Main Street
• Miramar Street
• Queen Street
• Rathburn Road
• Silver Maple Court

One piece of information not mentioned in the police data, are the specific types of assault involved in each case or what injuries (if any) were sustained by the victim.

However, of the 330 assault crimes this past month, investigators have successfully solved 293 cases while 23 are ongoing and 14 remain unsolved.

A recent incident from a couple days ago took place in Brampton where a 23-year-old woman was approached by a man who accused her of filming him. The situation escalated as he attacked her, slapping her phone away. Additionally, a video captured the man confronting the woman in a store, leading to a physical altercation where he allegedly struck her multiple times before leaving the area.

Though there has been a slight decline of crimes involving assault for the region, Peel Police continue to offer valuable safety tips for residents:

• Avoid opening the door to people you don’t know. Learn to respond safely by speaking through a closed and locked door.
• Plan your route and avoid short cuts through vacant lots or unlit areas.
• Familiarize yourself with the nearest police stations and 24/7 stores.
• Avoid being alone by getting a friend to accompany you.
• Lock your car after getting in. Avoid lingering around in the parking lot. Drive away as soon as you can.
• If someone tries to take your purse/bag, do not resist. Instead, head to a safe location and immediately call the police. Defend yourself only in the event that you are being physically assaulted.
• If you think you are being followed, do not drive/walk home as you don’t want the person to know where you live. Instead, consider driving or walking to the nearest police station or open service station.