Oakville News: Oakville leaders call for tougher laws and collaboration to reduce crime

Oakville News Staff

With community safety top of mind, federal, provincial, and local leaders gathered this week for the inaugural meeting of the Oakville Crime Prevention Roundtable.

In a concerted effort to combat crime and enhance community safety, the inaugural meeting of the Oakville Crime Prevention Roundtable initiative was held this past week (July 17), bringing together federal and provincial government members and Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS).

A joint statement issued by MP for Oakville East Anita Anand, MP for Oakville West Sima Acan, MPP for Oakville Stephen Crawford, MPP for Oakville North-Burlington Parliament Effie Triantafilopolous, and Chair of the Halton Police Board Jeff Knoll, showcased some of the main discussion points that took place during the first roundtable meeting.

Read more here: Oakville to establish new cross-government local crime roundtable

All members of the roundtable acknowledged receiving multiple concerns about property crimes, including auto thefts and home invasions, affecting Oakville residents.

At the same time, they say that Halton Region has seen a 20.9 per cent decrease in auto thefts in 2024 compared to the previous year. Despite this, all members say they vow to reduce crime in the region to ensure the safety of its residents.

The members also agreed that each level of government "must play its part" in preventing crime, providing the necessary tools to law enforcement, "and holding those who commit crimes accountable." This means jurisdictions working together rather than working alone.

HRPS also has a goal of further reducing the per capita property crime rate by 2027, which includes reducing auto thefts by 50 per cent.

All members of the roundtable also believe in having a stronger Criminal Code, saying that stricter bail laws for home invasions, car theft and violent and organized crime are needed.

According to the statement, the next meeting is projected to take place this upcoming fall season. 

To read the full statement, click here.