Montreal looks likely to easily cruise to its lowest-ever annual homicide total since on-island totals were compiled in 1972.
The current total of 16 murders puts the city on a pace for about 21 homicides for 2015, five fewer than last year's record-low number and well under the 34-per-year average over the last decade.
Murder rates spike in the summer. So now that the heat, partying and loitering has largely passed, we could conceivably flirt with a sub-20 homicide total for 2016.
Predictions of an inevitable underworld struggle between rival fractured Mafia factions have proven just incorrect. Biker gangs? Whatever they're doing, it's not murder.
Roughly half of this year's killings consisted of crimes of passion and drunkenness while many others were street-gang scuffles. Only a few have the earmarks of settlings-of-accounts.
Consider for much of its history Montreal has been the perennial Canadian leader for murder per capita. And between between 1989 and 1993 Montreal had 79 homicides on average. We've had 4 years of 97 murders or more since 1972.
Consider that in 2000 Montreal already had 16 homicides by April 30. In 2006 we reached the 16 murder milestone on May 15. In 1993 Montreal saw 16 murders by St. Patrick's Day.
Explanations for the demise in homicide? The rise in abortions, aging of the population, closer surveillance of negligent parents, better mental evaluations, decline of street drug dealing and...of course..the rise of that time-sucking distraction known as the internet.
The current total of 16 murders puts the city on a pace for about 21 homicides for 2015, five fewer than last year's record-low number and well under the 34-per-year average over the last decade.
Murder rates spike in the summer. So now that the heat, partying and loitering has largely passed, we could conceivably flirt with a sub-20 homicide total for 2016.
Predictions of an inevitable underworld struggle between rival fractured Mafia factions have proven just incorrect. Biker gangs? Whatever they're doing, it's not murder.
Roughly half of this year's killings consisted of crimes of passion and drunkenness while many others were street-gang scuffles. Only a few have the earmarks of settlings-of-accounts.
Consider for much of its history Montreal has been the perennial Canadian leader for murder per capita. And between between 1989 and 1993 Montreal had 79 homicides on average. We've had 4 years of 97 murders or more since 1972.
Consider that in 2000 Montreal already had 16 homicides by April 30. In 2006 we reached the 16 murder milestone on May 15. In 1993 Montreal saw 16 murders by St. Patrick's Day.
Explanations for the demise in homicide? The rise in abortions, aging of the population, closer surveillance of negligent parents, better mental evaluations, decline of street drug dealing and...of course..the rise of that time-sucking distraction known as the internet.
Other recent deterrents to crime include the pervasiveness of cellphones which enable virtually instant access to public safety hotlines (police, fire, ambulance), the existence of video cameras in buildings and stores, and ongoing television shows about crime prevention, forensics, social issues, and so on.
ReplyDeleteThe general public--including would-be criminals--are more aware than ever before about consequences.
The Montreal male has been successfully effeminated and alt entrepreneurs are happy with their pieces of the pie.
ReplyDeleteRumor I hear is that the criminal element want the same benefits as other performers appearing on TV or video. They want the same fees and residuals as others who appear on the tube. Until their new union is in place and well established to insure they get paid for all their appearances, they have curtailed all future lawless activities.
ReplyDeleteIsn't the murder rate up when looking at Montreal metro.
ReplyDelete