Trucker Impact on Crime

 Less crime in affected Ottawa district since blockade began, early data suggests 

Despite reports to the contrary, preliminary police data shows street crime has actually fallen since the Freedom Convoy blockade began at Parliament in Ottawa, according to Blacklock’s Reporter. 

The truckers’ blockade covers 10 square blocks in the Centretown district and finished its sixth day on Thursday. 

  

There were only three reports of street crime in that district since the protest began: For mischief, robbery and auto theft. 

In the week before the protest, the same district saw 31 police calls for robbery, assault, drug trafficking, public drunkenness, stolen vehicles, store break-ins and other crimes. 

“There have been no riots, injuries or deaths,” Police Chief Peter Sloly said Wednesday at the municipal Police Services Board. 

“We are arresting, charging and investigating bad actors.” 

So far, the charges against truckers are routine traffic violations or breaches of a local noise bylaw for horn honking. 

Blockade organizer Tamara Lich of Calgary said anti-vaccine mandate protesters were “average, peace-loving and law-abiding citizens from all walks of life.” 

Her remarks followed claims by Liberal and New Democrat MPs that truckers were violent 

“This has gone too far,” said Government House Leader Mark Holland. “We will not be bullied.” 

Liberal MP Yasir Naqvi told the Commons truckers were “rude, aggressive and intimidating in the local stores” and that “women and staff were scared to go out” at a local shelter. 

“Firecrackers have been hurled at people wearing masks who are simply passing by,” said Naqvi. 

New Democrat MP Charlie Angus claimed truckers had “harassed and threatened” women on the streets of Ottawa. 

“I have received three messages from young women around Gloucester and Metcalfe streets talking about the threats of rape they are facing because of the lawlessness,” he said.