Over the last few months, we've noticed what appears to be an uptick in unprovoked stranger attacks, so we asked our strategic researchers to take a deep dive into the numbers.
What they found is concerning: over four people a day are the target of a random, unprovoked assault.
What they found is concerning: over four people a day are the target of a random, unprovoked assault.
How we got there:
First, we defined who an “unprovoked stranger” was:
- No previous relationship with the victim
- Initial interactions were brief, i.e. 0-15 seconds
- The incident was unreasonable given the circumstances
First, we defined who an “unprovoked stranger” was:
- No previous relationship with the victim
- Initial interactions were brief, i.e. 0-15 seconds
- The incident was unreasonable given the circumstances
We then reviewed assaults that were reported to the VPD from September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021, and determined there were approximately 1,555 unprovoked stranger assaults involving 1,705 victims.
1,705.
Let that number sink in.
1,705.
Let that number sink in.
Finally, we broke the files down:
- 47% involved weapons
- 28% of the suspects appeared to be living with mental illness
- 24% of the victims were female
The majority of victims were simply going about their day: running errands, walking, or visiting our city.
For example:
- 47% involved weapons
- 28% of the suspects appeared to be living with mental illness
- 24% of the victims were female
The majority of victims were simply going about their day: running errands, walking, or visiting our city.
For example:
A woman was walking with her elderly father in the area of Trout Lake when an unknown female, who appeared to be around 12 years old, walked towards her and punched her in the nose. The suspect has yet to be identified.
Two men were walking downtown when a stranger started to follow them, and then slapped one of them so hard it broke the victim’s glasses. The suspect has yet to be identified.
An erratic and violent male started to randomly assault several people waiting at a bus stop at Main St and Terminal Ave. During the arrest, one of the officers suffered a broken arm and the male bit the other officer. Both officers required medical treatment.
A man was running errands in the area of Quebec St and W. 10th Ave when a stranger came up behind him and cut his throat. Witnesses came to the victim’s aid, who suffered significant injuries and required emergency medical care. The suspect was arrested and charged.
A man was driving near Ontario St and SE Marine Dr. when a stranger punched him through the open car window. The stranger then followed an elderly man before punching him and wrestling him to the ground. Witnesses intervened, and the suspect was arrested.
Having confirmed the number of these assaults is alarming, we will be working within our resources to improve public safety.
If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of any crime, please call 911 or non-emergency at 604-717-3321.
#VPD #CommunityInNeed #ReportCrime
If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of any crime, please call 911 or non-emergency at 604-717-3321.
#VPD #CommunityInNeed #ReportCrime
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