Greater Sudbury Police say complaints about homelessness, drug use and panhandling rose this year compared to last, but violent crime has dropped over the same period.
GSPS released data from its Community Safety and Well-being Plan and Downtown Strategy this week. That effort sees members of the Central Community Response Unit (CRU), in collaboration with Patrol Operations and the Integrated Crime Section (ICS), focus on addressing issues in the downtown core.
“Between January 1 and August 27, 2025, officers conducted 2,189 focused patrols and responded to 6,189 calls for service,” the police service said in a news release. “During this period, officers made 679 arrests, representing a 31-per-cent increase compared to 2024, and laid 1,198 charges, a 27-per-cent increase year-over-year.”
Calls for service rose six per cent on average over last year, the data shows, with significant increases in property-related crimes (up 30 per cent), social disorder (up 21 per cent) and traffic complaints (up 14 per cent).
Over the same period, ambulance assists dropped 28 per cent, mental health and well-being calls fell 14 per cent and violent crimes were down eight per cent.
“Additionally, complaints related to homelessness increased by 32 per cent, open drug use by 28 per cent and panhandling by 26 per cent, highlighting the complex social challenges facing our downtown community,” police said in the release.
In terms of what police term “social disorder calls”, GSPS received 1,165 calls regarding unwanted people, 250 calls about suspicious people and 248 calls related to disturbing the peace.
Over the summer (from July 3 to Aug. 31), police conducted “high visibility and community outreach” in the downtown core through 1,321 focused patrols. The impact of the increased presence, police said, saw:
- 129 arrest warrants executed
- 81 provincial and federal charges laid
- 10 weapons seized, and
- Approximately $22,000 worth of illicit drugs seized.
“Officers conducted 110 bike patrols and 48 foot patrols, engaging with 7,088 community members,” the release states. “Through these interactions, 1,449 individuals were referred to vital services including the cooling shelter, crisis response teams, Go-Give outreach, and the homelessness network.”
GSPS pointed to the opioid crisis for “contributing to rising rates of addiction, homelessness and mental health challenges.”
“Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted and compassionate approach — one that balances enforcement with harm reduction, public education, and strong community partnerships,” GSPS said.
“Through collaboration with health-care providers, social service agencies and community organizations, police efforts are increasingly focused on evidence-based solutions that prioritize both public safety and individual well-being. These partnerships are essential in connecting vulnerable individuals with the supports they need, reducing harm, and fostering a safer, healthier downtown for all.”