Shootings up this year in Hamilton, Ontario
Published August 1, 2024 at 7:31 pm
With the city well on its way to surpassing its high for gun-related crimes over the last five years, the Hamilton Police Service is reminding citizens of its “commitment” to keep the community safe.
A recent rash of shooting across the city has brought the total this year to 40, which is on pace to pass the 51 shootings in 2020.
It marks a steep climb in gun-related incidents and has already surpassed the 35 that took place last year.
Hamilton Police says it understands the “gravity” of the recent-rise and is doing what it can to address the issue and ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
Since January 2024, Hamilton police have taken 260 firearms off the city streets.
“Our recent success in seizing firearms and making arrests is a testament to the power of community and police collaboration,” said Hamilton Police Chief Frank Bergen. “It takes the vigilance and courage of our community, paired with the dedication and professionalism of our officers, to keep Hamilton safe.
“Together, we can make a significant impact in reducing gun violence and ensuring a safer environment for all.”
The local force says it has taken action to combat the rash of gun violence in the city, beginning with making its Shooting Response Team a permanent fixture within the Service.
The team is specifically trained and equipped to respond quickly to incidents involving firearms.
“Their presence has already made a significant impact, and we are confident that their continued efforts will contribute to reducing gun-related crimes in Hamilton,” said Hamilton police, which pointed to a seizure of multiple firearms last week on the Hamilton Mountain.
Community outreach and engagement activities have also been enhanced. The local force say it can’t emphasize enough the importance of community involvement in making the city safer.
“We are committed to fostering stronger relationships with community members and leaders to gather crucial information that can help prevent crimes before they occur,” said the local Service.
Strategies include increased patrols in high-risk areas, collaboration with local organizations, and the use of strategic policing partners to track and deter criminal activities.
Hamilton police say they have also focused more on serious repeat violent offenders with firearms in an effort to keep those who pose great risk off the streets.
To keep the community safe and address gun violence, say police, the involvement of the entire community is needed.
That means helping to steer at-risk youth away from crime and witnesses stepping up to provide information to investigators.
“We urge all community members to come forward with any information they might have, no matter how small it may seem,” said police. “By working together and sharing information, we can make a significant difference.”
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