Article content

Saskatoon police logged an increase of more than 20 per cent in the number of robberies reported in the city in 2019.

According to the police force’s month-end statistics for December, which includes tallies for the year, 175 robberies were reported last year, while 144 were reported in 2018 — a 21.5 per cent increase.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Saskatoon street robberies up more than 20 per cent in 2019 Back to video

Police compiled the month-end statistics on Jan. 20; the numbers are subject to change as they are updated.

The East division saw the most significant jump year over year in the number of robberies, reporting a 200 per cent increase. Central division, which includes the core neighbourhoods, experienced a 42.9 per cent drop in the number of robberies reported.

The numbers also show a significant increase in break-ins to residential detached buildings, such as sheds — 640 were reported in 2019, compared to 483 in 2018, an increase of 32.5 per cent.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Ward, who oversees the general investigations section, said addictions issues often drive property crimes, many of which are crimes of opportunity. If someone checks the door handle of a garage or outbuilding and finds it unlocked, they may go in and grab what they can, for example.