Manitoba’s justice minister says the province’s public safety efforts are paying off, following new data from the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) that shows a decline in violent crime and overall crime severity for the first time in four years.Justice Minister Matt Wiebe pointed to the WPS’s 2024 annual report as evidence that spending in policing and community safety are making a difference.“Manitobans know that to see real change, we must address crime and the causes of crime,” Wiebe said Thursday. “We are seeing reductions in violent crime and crime severity in Winnipeg. We have more work to do, and we will continue that important work across our government.”The report shows that, excluding a drop during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2024 marked the first time in a decade that violent crime and crime severity declined in Winnipeg. Youth violent crime also decreased for the first time in four years, with youth violence involving weapons dropping 23%..Wiebe also pointed to early signs of success from new provincial legislation aimed at reducing machete and knife-related attacks. In 2024, knife crimes fell by 14%.The minister credited increased staffing for helping drive the improvement. Twelve new provincially funded police officers joined the WPS in 2024, with 12 more expected this summer and another 12 in the fall.“Our investments in the retail crime initiative and an increased presence in key areas have resulted in more arrests and an overall increase in safety for businesses and shoppers alike,” Wiebe said.He added the province will continue to support the WPS and community partners to ensure all residents feel safe in their neighbourhoods.
