Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 2016

The report “Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 2016” by Kathryn Keighley at the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics is available from the station website.   This report was released the 24th of July 2017.

 

With regards to cybercrime the report includes the following

In 2016, the number and rate of child pornography incidents continued to rise, up from 4,380 incidents in 2015 to 6,245 incidents in 2016. As a result, the rate increased by 41%, to 17 incidents per 100,000 population in 2016. This is 233% higher than the rate reported in 2006. Part of this increase can be attributed to a proactive project initiated by the British Columbia Integrated Child Exploitation Unit which recorded Internet Protocol (IP) addresses that were in possession of, and possibly sharing child pornography. As the initiative focused on Vancouver in 2016, a 124% increase in these offences was reported by this jurisdiction in 2016.

— p.p. 20 Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 2016

In this case the increase more likely shows an increased proficiency in investigating crime than an increase in the rate of the crime itself.

 

Non-consensual distribution of intimate images a relatively new crime and reports have grown

In 2016, the rate for the relatively new violation of non-consensual distribution of intimate images, enacted in March 2015 with Bill C-13 increased 137% (see Text box 5). In 2016, police reported 815 such incidents, compared to 340 in 2015. This is likely due not only to 2016 being the first full year of data, but, as with many new criminal offences, the growing recognition and application by police. The new offence criminalizes publishing, distributing, selling, making available or advertising intimate images without the consent of the person depicted in the image. Reported violations increased from 2015 to 2016 in almost all provinces, with Quebec and Ontario accounting for the largest volume of growth. In Quebec, the number of incidents increased from 53 to 186, while in Ontario reported incidents grew from 114 to 286.

— p.p 21 Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 2016

It is to be expected that the rate of reporting will increase as more people and law enforcement officers become aware of the law and how to effectively investigate and prosecute this crime.

While the rate of general fraud grew 14%, rates for identity fraud increased 16% and identify theft grew 21%.

— p.p. 23 Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 2016

Identity fraud and Identity theft frequently have an online component and appear to be a growing problem.

 

For more read the full report.

 

Juristat Article—Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 2016,

by Kathryn Keighley

Statistics Canada—Catalogue no. 85-002-X

 

source:

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2017001/article/54842-eng.pdf