Photo: Halton Police
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is reporting significant reductions in violent and property crime during the first half of 2026.
According to the HRPS 2026 Mid-Year Performance Report, 6,623 criminal offences were reported between January and June, down 900 offences, or 12%, from the first six months of 2025. When population growth is considered, the overall crime rate decreased by 14.6%.
Violent crime fell from 1,292 offences to 1,054, an 18.4% decrease. Property crime dropped from 5,561 offences to 4,929, a reduction of 11.4%.
The decline in property crime continues a trend that began in 2025 following five consecutive years of increases. Property crime during the first half of 2026 was approximately 22% below the six-month peak recorded in 2024.
Police also report reductions in several major property crime categories, including theft, break and enter, fraud and mischief.
There were 509 motor vehicle thefts reported during the first six months of 2026, compared with 542 during the same period in 2025.
That figure is also down from the 2024 peak, when 796 auto thefts were reported during the first half of the year. HRPS says the decline supports an objective in its 2024-2027 Strategic Plan to reduce auto theft by 50%.
Despite the overall decline in crime, the report identifies increases in some areas.
Impaired driving apprehensions increased by 14%, from 214 to 244. Motor vehicle collisions increased by 4.4%, although injury collisions decreased slightly. There were two fatal collisions during both periods.
Total enforcement, including Provincial Offence Notices and warning notices, decreased by 11.1%.
HRPS responded to more than 75,000 events during the first six months of 2026, representing a slight increase from the same period in 2025.
The report also compares HRPS’ full-year 2025 performance with the 12 largest municipal and regional police services in Ontario, referred to as the “Big 12,” using Statistics Canada data released in July 2026.
Among the services included in the comparison, Halton recorded the lowest violent crime rate and property crime rate in 2025. Halton also recorded the lowest overall Crime Severity Index, Violent Crime Severity Index and Non-violent Crime Severity Index among the Big 12.
The Crime Severity Index considers both the volume of police-reported crime and the relative seriousness of offences.
“The results from the first half of 2026 are encouraging and reflect the hard work of our members and the strong partnerships we have throughout our communities,” says Chief of Police Stephen Tanner. “We are seeing significant reductions in violent crime, property crime and motor vehicle theft, continuing positive trends from last year. Despite these reductions, far too many continue to be victims of auto theft, break and enters and other crimes. Our community is counting on us to step up, and we will continue delivering results for them, making every positive impact that we can.”
For the full 2026 Mid-Year Performance Report, click here.
