Community Safety Information
Kirk O'Brien
Director, Safety and Crime Prevention
January 2026 Update
Dear Neighbours,
As we begin the new year, West Rouge continues to stand out as one of the safest neighbourhoods in Toronto and that doesn’t happen by chance. It reflects residents looking out for one another, reporting early, and taking simple preventative steps that collectively make a real difference.
Crime Trends – December 2025
Preliminary data shows West Rouge is on track to record its lowest overall crime rate in the past three years, with a notable decline over the final quarter of 2025. While we await the Toronto Police year-end confirmation, the trend is encouraging.
One important takeaway continues to stand out: break-and-enter incidents and under-reporting of suspicious activity go hand-in-hand. Police stress that reports of unknown individuals on driveways, checking car doors, or suspicious parked vehicles, even when nothing is stolen, are critical. These reports help 43 Division identify patterns, deploy resources, and connect the dots after crimes occur.
Early reporting protects everyone, for more detail see this month's WRCA Crime Report.
Strengthening Community–Police Connections
Through our ongoing participation in the Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), WRCA continues to bring timely, verified information back to residents. January updates from 43 Division reinforced several prevention insights:
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Backyard access remains the most common entry method for break-and-enters
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Early-evening hours (5–9 p.m.) are a growing concern
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Home security camera footage plays a key role in arrests
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Prompt reporting of auto theft significantly increases recovery chances
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For more detail see this month's WRCA CPLC Updates.
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Further insights and tips may be found in the guides and tools available in the WRCA Crime & Safety Library.
Growing Our Safety Network – WhatsApp Updates
Our WRCA Crime Reporting WhatsApp Group continues to grow, now reaching over 425 households. The strength of this network is not just its size, but how it is used.
WRCA’s 4-Tier WhatsApp Safety Messaging System continues to mature:
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Crime Reporting – verified or suspected crimes
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311 Hazard Reporting – public space safety issues
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Door-to-Door Activity – canvassers and solicitors
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What-If-Discuss – proactive safety conversations
Posting in the appropriate group helps keep alerts clear, timely, and effective, and reduces alert fatigue. For access to any of the WhatsApp tiers, checkout the WRCA WhatsApp Community Reporting Rules and Links to Join.
Making Streets a Harder Target
Interest continues to grow in our Street Safety Guide & Street Assessments, which focuses on simple, street-level actions that make entire blocks less attractive to offenders. Recent street assessments have been completed on Blueking, Rouge Hills, and Trellanock, with additional streets scheduled. Small actions - lighting, camera coordination, respectful observation, and early communication - add up quickly. For more tips and how to request a street assessment, review WRCA Make Your Street A Harder Target Guide.
Thank you for staying informed and engaged. Every report, every conversation, and every neighbour looking out for another helps keep West Rouge safe, connected, and resilient.
Below, please find links to resources from 43 Division and the West Rouge Community Association, including information about what's considered suspicious neighbourhood activity and how to report non-emergency incidents.
Please email Kirk O'Brien for any questions. Let’s work together to protect and enhance the safety of our community!
