367 assaults reported to police last month in Mississauga and Brampton

Assault-related crimes have seen a sharp rise in Mississauga and Brampton since 2023, creating a major challenge for the region. In the last 31 days, police have responded to over 300 reported cases.

Between Aug. 7  and Sept. 7, Peel Regional Police recorded 367 assault cases—reflecting an average of 11 or more daily incidents.

Of the 367 combined assaults across both cities— 204 were in Mississauga and 163 in Brampton.

Around the same time last year, Mississauga and Brampton had a much greater assault count, with 563 cases between August and September (2023).

Compared to this summer, assaults have risen by 7.3%, with 342 reported incidents in June. This increase may spark fear and great concern among residents

Below is a map detailing where the incidents took place:

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The data further identifies seven common hotspots, each with six or more assault-related incidents reported this month. These include:

• Airport Road— 6 occurrences
• Dundas Street— 8 occurrences
• Goreway Drive— 7 occurrences
• Hurontario Street—6 occurrences
• Morning Star Drive—8 occurrences
• Peel Centre Drive—6 occurrences
• Queen Street—6 occurrences

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

Of the 367 assault crimes this past month, investigators have solved 282 cases, while 50 are ongoing and 35 remain unsolved.

A recent assault-related incident in Mississauga involved a 20-year-old man who allegedly attacked two senior women, aged 96 and 66, on a walking trail.

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 shortcuts 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. Do not linger 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.