Data Analysis and Visualization of Reported Crimes in Toronto
Overview
This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the “Police Annual Statistical Report — Reported Crimes” dataset for Toronto, focusing on crime numbers and clearance rates. The study covers the period from 2014 to 2022, providing valuable insights into crime trends and division-specific dynamics.
Background
As a newcomer in Toronto, it is essential to prioritize personal safety and be aware of the crime landscape in the city. Understanding the types of crimes that are prevalent and identifying safe areas is crucial for making informed decisions about where to live, work, and spend leisure time.
Goal
This research aims to analyze the “Police Annual Statistical Report — Reported Crimes” dataset to gain insights into crime trends and division-wise aspects in Toronto. Specifically, it aims to answer two key questions:
- Which crimes should individuals be more aware of?
- Which divisions or areas are better to stay in?
Dataset
Police Annual Statistical Report — Reported Crimes, includes all reported crime offences by reported date aggregated by division from 2014 to 2022.
https://open.toronto.ca/dataset/police-annual-statistical-report-reported-crimes/
Findings
Toronto Crime trends
Overall YoY
The graph shows the overall year-over-year (YoY) crime trend in Toronto from 2014 to 2022. Crime numbers increased consistently from 2014 to 2019. There was a significant drop in 2020 and 2021, followed by a return to high levels in 2022.
Clearance rate YoY trend
The graph shows the year-over-year (YoY) trend of crime clearance numbers and percentages in Toronto from 2014 to 2022. It indicates a consistent decrease in the clearance rate of crimes over this period.
Crime type trend with clearance rate
The graph presents the year-over-year (YoY) trend of different crime types in Toronto from 2014 to 2022, with the clearance rate indicated by color. The data highlights Theft Under $5000, Other, and Assault as the top three crime types, which follow the overall trend observed.
However, the graph specifically emphasizes the crime type of Auto Theft, which demonstrates a distinct pattern. Despite the fluctuations in other crime types, the number of Auto Theft incidents has consistently increased throughout the years, including the years 2020 and 2021, which experienced overall decreases in crime numbers. Notably, Auto Theft reaches its peak in 2022, surpassing other crime types in terms of percentage change.
Division-wise crime (2022)
Crime Rate by division
The graph showcases the crime numbers for each division in Toronto in the year 2022. Among all the divisions, D51, D32, and D14 emerge as the top three divisions with the highest crime numbers, indicating relatively higher crime rates within these areas.
On the other hand, the graph reveals that D13, D12, and D33 have the lowest crime numbers, suggesting comparatively lower crime rates in these divisions.
Crime type by division
The graph illustrates the crime numbers of each crime type for every division in Toronto during the year 2022. It reveals that the distribution of crime types follows a consistent pattern across the divisions, with Theft Under $5000, Other, and Assault ranking as the top three crimes in all divisions.
Clearance rate by division
The graph presents the crime clearance rates for each division in Toronto during the year 2022. Among all the divisions, D41, D12, and D51 emerge as the top three divisions with the highest clearance rates, indicating a relatively higher success rate in solving reported crimes.
Conversely, the graph reveals that D32, D33, and D23 have the lowest clearance rates, suggesting a lower effectiveness in resolving reported crimes within these divisions.
Clearance rate vs Case count by division
The plot depicts the relationship between the clearance rate and case count for each division in Toronto during the year 2022. The dots on the plot represent different divisions, with the leftmost and topmost dots indicating the division with a high clearance rate and a low number of cases.
Based on the plot, D12 stands out as the safest division with a high clearance rate and low case count. However, D32 has a high case count and low clearance rate, indicating room for improvement in resolving reported cases.
Insight and Conclusion
This research examines the “Police Annual Statistical Report — Reported Crimes” dataset, revealing several key insights regarding crime numbers and clearance rates:
- Crime numbers have consistently increased since 2014, remaining high in 2022.
- Clearance rates have declined steadily since 2014.
- Theft Under $5000 is the top crime, with Auto Theft showing a significant increase over the years.
- D51 has the highest crime number, while D13 has the lowest.
- D41 boasts the highest clearance rate, whereas D32 has the lowest.
- D12 is a division with low crime numbers and a high clearance rate, while D32 faces high crime numbers and a low clearance rate.
These findings highlight the challenges posed by crime rates, the importance of improving clearance rates, and the varying safety levels across divisions. Newcomers to Toronto can benefit from these insights to make informed decisions about their safety and security in different areas of the city.
Next
- Compare crime data with other relevant data such as population change
- Visualize the data in a map view by associating location data of division
- Consider socio-economic factors
