Cops promise crackdown in crime-fueled Mississauga neighbourhood

It was once Mississauga’s downtown, a place where City Hall once stood and businesses were established.

Now, this Cooksville neighbourhood has become a place of high crime.

Peel Police say their attention is increasingly focused on the area known as 5 & 10 — Hurontario and Dundas Streets — and specifically the plazas that occupy the east side of the intersection which has seen a spike in criminal activity.

According to police data, since the beginning of this year, officers have responded to over 170 calls to the area over complaints of drug dealing, robberies, break-ins and other crimes of a more violent nature.

“Over the last year there have been two individuals stabbed in the area and a reported incident in which a firearm was pointed at a citizen,” said police.

As a result of increased enforcement and presence in the area, police say several arrests have been made as well as fines issued.

These include:

• 50 arrest warrants executed.
• 20 controlled drug arrests.
• 40 Liquor License Act/Trespass to Property Act Provincial Offence notices issued.
• 2 criminal code search warrants executed.
• $30,000 in street-valued drugs seized

Police say business owners, residents, and those who use the busy intersection as a transfer point for bus transportation have complained about the crime which has led to the increased scrutiny.

“Officers from the Community Incident Response Team (CIRT) at both 12 and 11 Division have been working in partnership on a community safety initiative addressing ongoing complaints in the Dundas/Hurontario Street area of Mississauga,” police said adding they will continue to “keep an eye on” the neighbourhood

Police anyone with concerns amount crime in the area or have information about incidents can contact the 12 Division Community Incident Response Team at 905-453-2121, extension 1200.

Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.