Guns, gangs and fraud: Regional police chief presents annual report
Posted Dec 11, 2024 07:56:52 AM.
Last Updated Dec 11, 2024 11:03:39 AM.
This year has been a busy time for the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS).
Chief Mark Crowell presented the 2024 annual report to the police services board on Tuesday, highlighting some of the areas of concern.
Crowell pointed to the increase in gun violence, saying last year there were 21 reported incidents involving firearms. In 2023 there were eighteen but in 2022 there were 25, so it appears data is sticking near the average. He added that four out of the five homicides in the region were the results of gunshots.
Crowell told the board it’s not just illegal firearms that are a worry.
“There are also concerns about legal guns making their way into the wrong hands, as well as replica firearms,” he said. “Another concerning trend we’ve seen across North America is the ability to modify traditional firearms into automatic weapons.”
Crowell highlighted a recent increase in violent incidents and called on the board to collaborate with other police boards in the province in addressing firearms and organized crime.
The chief did take a moment to pat his officers on the back for breaking up an organized crime ring in the region.
“We had a major investigation breakthrough where we were led to a huge chop-shop operation, operating in North Dumfries Township. Dozens of vehicles were located and essentially uncovering a very sophisticated organized crime operation.”
