London residents are expressing growing concerns about crime in their neighbourhoods, with many reporting incidents ranging from break-ins to property damage across various parts of the city.
Local residents have been sharing their experiences online, describing a noticeable increase in criminal activity even in areas traditionally considered safe. One resident described how their apartment building in what they called a “well maintained building in a ‘safe’ neighbourhood nowhere near downtown” has experienced significant criminal activity over the past couple of years.
The resident recounted a particularly troubling incident where someone attempted to break into their unit while they were alone. When police responded, it took three hours for an officer to arrive, who reportedly indicated that similar incidents were occurring “all over the city.”
Another local resident shared their decision to leave London entirely, stating they “couldn’t believe how bad it was, and how little the cops care.” This family experienced multiple break-ins and witnessed teenagers ransacking a house in their neighbourhood. They ultimately moved their child from school due to safety concerns.
Since leaving London this past summer, the family reports that their friends who remained in the city have all dealt with at least one car or home break-in.
The crime concerns aren’t limited to residential break-ins. Residents have noted a significant increase in private security presence throughout the city. Many report seeing security guards in stores and security vehicles patrolling neighbourhoods – something that was rarely observed before the COVID-19 pandemic but has become a daily sight.
Different areas of the city appear to be experiencing varying levels of criminal activity. Some residents living near Oxford and Richmond streets report relatively stable conditions over their 15-year residency, though they acknowledge seeing increased attempts by homeless individuals to enter buildings during the pandemic.
However, other areas are experiencing more significant challenges. One resident living near Colborne and York described feeling unsafe during an evening walk with their young child at 7:00 PM.
Local community members are pointing to drug-related gang activity as a contributing factor to serious crimes in the city. Some residents suggest that many serious incidents don’t make it into news reports, and that checking police websites reveals numerous crimes that go unreported or are misrepresented in public communications.
Long-time London residents are noting a particular shift in the city’s character. Those who grew up in areas previously considered the “rough” parts of town describe how even those neighbourhoods were never as dangerous for women and children as some areas of London have become today.
One resident observed that what used to be considered “rough” areas were simply the cheapest places to rent, where the worst that might happen was someone taking items left on a front lawn. Now, they describe their family’s backyard as resembling “a free all-you-can-carry garage sale.”
Several residents trace the noticeable decline to around 2013-2015, when London began shifting from what many called “the big small town” to experiencing more significant urban crime challenges.
Community members are encouraging residents to take action by attending ward meetings and contacting city councillors with their concerns. Local ward meetings have reportedly seen significant frustration from residents dealing with car break-ins, property damage, and theft, particularly when police response times are lengthy.
Residents are also being urged to continue reporting incidents even when police response seems inadequate, as some building-related issues have gone unreported due to resident apathy, making it difficult to track the full scope of problems.
The discussions reflect broader concerns about public safety and police response times, with residents questioning whether moving to different areas within London would provide relief if crime issues are indeed citywide. These conversations have been taking place in various online community forums, including local Reddit discussions, as residents seek to understand and address the changing safety landscape in their city.