Hate crimes in Toronto increased by 84 per cent last year: report

 

 

Hate crimes increased by 84 per cent in 2024, according to a report by Toronto Police Services. In a report submitted to the Toronto Police Services Board on Wednesday, officers revealed that 209 hate crimes were filed last year. Eight of these were crimes that caused public hatred. The Attorney General's approval is required for the investigation and charging of such crimes.

The most commonly reported hate crimes are indecent assault, assault, intimidation and criminal harassment. Religion is the most common motive for crime. Sex and ethnicity are also common themes in crime.

The report found that Jews, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, black people and members of the Muslim community were the most likely victims of hate crimes. Police also said there had been a significant increase in hate crimes targeting the South Asian community.

Meanwhile, police chief Myron Demkiw said in another report that murders, shootings, car thefts and home invasions had decreased in the first half of last year.