Calgary crime rates remaining consistent, despite a changing public perception

A new poll suggests Calgarian perception of crime is outpacing actual crime in the city.

A new poll suggests Calgarian perception of crime is outpacing actual crime in the city. 

Alberta Municipalities commissioned the poll, which looked into how people across the province viewed crime rates, causation and solutions. 

It found 61 per cent of those surveyed believe crime in their area is increasing. 

But Calgary Police Service (CPS) numbers paint a different picture. Overall rates are slightly ticking upwards, but not at a level that warrants concern, according to one justice studies professor.  

"Most crimes in Calgary have either dropped or stayed the same," Doug King told CTV News. "Looking at the latest rates, Calgary remains a very safe city in terms of where we are now versus where we were 10, 15 or 20 years ago."

The latest CPS stats from the third quarter of 2022 show five year increases of 5.5 and 1.2 per cent in the city's violent crimes and property crimes, respectively. 

Commercial robberies and discharging of a firearm with intent are ticking up, but things like home invasions and aggravated assault are down.