A new Statistics Canada report ranks London as one of the least safe cities in southern Ontario, but some say the low ranking is nothing to worry about.

The report examined the crime severity index (CSI) in Canadian cities. It measures the volume and seriousness of crime.

London — defined as the census metropolitan area that includes Strathroy and St. Thomas — had a crime severity index of 65.4. It was ranked 20th behind Windsor.

The safest city, according to the report, was Quebec City, followed by Barrie and Toronto.

The study looked at crimes reported to police in 2015, a main reason Paul Whitehead, a Western University sociology professor emeritus whose specialties include criminology, said the study shouldn’t be a cause of worry.

“When you look at crime stats, it’s important not to look at a single year. You really need to have a perspective over time,” he said. “A single year could just be a blip, either good or bad. The overall trend is more important.”

Laila Norman, head of city council’s community safety and crime prevention advisory committee, agrees that Londoners shouldn’t worry about the city’s relatively high crime severity index.

“This is a university/college town and a lot of the reported crime will have to do with move-ins and parties,” she said.

“London police are doing a good job, the community does a good job, we have excellent programs that make sure citizens’ voices are being heard when they feel unsafe.”

Last year, a city department led a walkthrough of London with members of the community and the advisory committee to hear from residents about unsafe areas and spots that need improvement. The city is following through on recommendations, building crosswalks and lowering speed limits in areas that were flagged, Norman said.

2015 was the first time in 12 years Canada saw an increase in the crime severity index. It was up five per cent year-over-year.

London, however, had a three per cent decrease in crime from 2014 to 2015.

“London is a safe community with a lot of police presence,” Norman said. “As an average everyday city (regardless of the report) we are so much safer than most areas.”

hailey.salvian@sunmedia.ca

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