TPS Crime Statistics
Source Information, Glossary of Terms, Methodology

Data Definitions and Counting Methodology

The following tables, graphs and maps reflect crimes as reported to the Toronto Police Service as of the indicated date, occurring during the indicated date range for the indicated area.

As the data are live, the statistics presented here can change on a daily basis. For example, an assault may be reclassified as a homicide at a later date. The figures presented are current as of the noted date.

The Crime Information Analysis Unit of the Toronto Police Service makes every reasonable effort to provide accurate statistics and maps on this site. However, the data are subject to change due to:

• late reporting of crime incidents;
• archival delay;
• incidents that have been investigated and deemed to be unfounded; or reclassification of an offence subsequent to further investigation (e.g. a vehicle may be reported as stolen but ended up being borrowed by a family member)

As a result of the above noted issues, a sum of the weekly totals will not necessarily balance with the year-to-date totals. As an example, a sexual assault may be reported months after it occurred. Due to the late reporting, it would not have been counted in the weekly totals at the time of the incident. However, the incident would be captured later in the YTD totals, if it occurred in the same calendar year.

These considerations must be taken into account when comparing statistics presented, and may account for inconsistencies that may be identified. The most recent data published will reflect these changes.

It should be noted that the counting methodology used to prepare the following tables, graphs and maps differ from that used by Statistics Canada and some other police services.

For the most part, the statistics on the following pages use an incident-based counting method. Generally, each type of major crime that occurred during an incident will be counted. For example, if an assault and a break and enter took place in the same incident, they would be counted once in each category. Statistics Canada also presents incident-based crime statistics, but generally counts only the most serious offence per incident. Some other police services present their crime statistics using the offence-based method, which counts all offences in each incident. It is important to note these differences when comparing our crime statistics to those provided by Statistics Canada or by other police agencies.

Glossary of Terms

Incident . An incident is the set of connected events which usually constitute an occurrence report.

Occurrence . A written document that reflects an occurrence, unusual problem, incident, deviation from standard practice, or situation that requires follow-up action.

Offence . An offence is a violation against the Criminal Code of Canada or other federal statute, provincial act, or municipal by-law. Offences are counted in the year they occurred rather than the year the offence is reported to the police.

Shooting . Incidents where the victim(s) were reported to having been shot or shot at. Shooting Occurrences refers to the number of incidents or events. Shooting Victims refers to the number of people.

Shooting Injury Level . Refers to the extent of a victim’s injury at the time of the incident:

• Not Applicable . incident did not involve the use of weapons nor physical force against the victim
• Unknown . the extent of injuries to the victim could not be determined
• No Injuries . no visible physical injury at the time of the incident
• Injuries . physical injuries that may or may not have required professional medical treatment, first aid, or transportation to a medical facility
• Death . Loss of life

Homicide/Murder . The Homicide or Murder category includes first and second degree murder, and manslaughter. A Homicide or Murder occurs when a person directly or indirectly, by any means, causes the death of another human being. Deaths caused by criminal negligence, suicide and accidental or justifiable homicide (e.g. self-defence) are not included. The data source for these figures is the Homicide Squad Case List Log. There may be some archival delay due to classification by the Homicide Squad. Homicide/Murder figures represent the number of offences (victims).

Sexual Assault . A wide range of offences fall under the Sexual Assault category, including sexual assault (s. 271), sexual assault with a weapon, threats to a third party or causing bodily harm (s. 272), aggravated sexual assault (s. 273), administering drugs for sex (s. 212), indecent assault (s. 141, 149, 148, 156) sexual interference (s. 151), invitation to sexual touching (s. 152), and sexual exploitation (s. 153). It refers to any type of sexual activity that is not consented to. Behaviours may range in severity from gestures, verbal assaults and attempts, to forced penetration, disfigurement and endangerment of life. More so than with any other type of crime, sexual assaults (including child abuse) are often reported to police long after the incident has taken place, if they are reported at all. This number represents the number of sexual assaults that were reported to police and that were said to have occurred during the indicated week. It should not be taken to represent all sexual assaults that actually occurred during that week. Although weekly totals may not reflect incidents that were reported later in the year, year-to-date totals will reflect the most current data available as of the date indicated.

Assault . The direct or indirect application of force to another person, or the attempt or threat to apply force to another person, without that person’s consent.

Robbery . The act of taking property from another person or business by the use of force or intimidation in the presence of the victim.

Break and Enter . The act of entering a place with the intent to commit an indictable offence therein.

Auto Theft . The act of taking or another person's vehicle (not including attempts). Auto Theft figures represent the number of vehicles stolen.

Theft Over . The act of stealing property in excess of $5,000 (excluding auto theft).