Sarnia recorded its lowest overall and non-violent Crime Severity Index numbers on record last year, according to figures released by Statistics Canada.
Statistics Canada releases the Crime Severity Index and Weighted Clearance Rate annually. The index accounts for both the volume of crime reported by police and the seriousness of those crimes, while the clearance rate measures how effective police are at solving crime.
The 2025 figures show a significant reduction in the Violent Crime Severity Index, to levels not seen since 2019, following increases since 2023. The Overall and Non-Violent Crime Severity Index in 2025 represent the lowest ever reported by the Sarnia Police Service since police-reported crime statistics began being tracked.
The service also reported its highest-ever weighted clearance rates in 2024, a trend that continued in 2025 with significant increases in every category.
“The annual CSI is an important measure as it factors the volume of crime with the severity of the offences that are occurring in our community,” said Deputy Chief Michael Van Sickle. “The year-over-year improvement reflects the collective efforts of our dedicated members and the public we serve. Crime trends are constantly evolving, and one year’s statistics do not define the overall public safety picture. Our focus remains on addressing the issues that impact our community through innovative proactive policing, forming strong partnerships, and utilizing analytically supported strategies. We remain committed to continuous improvement and ensuring the residents have confidence in the police service.”
