Distracted, aggressive drivers top Kitchissippi crime concerns: survey

The results of the latest Ottawa Police Services Board survey of Kitchissippi residents are in and the top ward concerns are clearly on the road.

Of those surveyed, 76 per cent felt distracted driving was a concern, and 70 per cent felt speeding and aggressive driving was a problem. Theft from vehicles and break and enter followed with internet/cyber crime and vandalism tied for fifth. 

The survey shows Kitchissippi residents feel safe in the ward, with 94 per cent reporting they feel safe during the day and 77 per cent saying they felt safe at night. Both those numbers were higher than the city averages. 

The majority of Kitchissippi residents are satisfied with Ottawa Police with the survey showing 81 per cent satisfaction, only two per cent dissatisfied with the remainder having no opinion.

As for the latest crime numbers, Kitchissippi is following a city-wide trend with lower numbers in most categories in 2015.

Overall, the crime rate was down in the ward by 13.1 per cent, with violent crime down 4.6 per cent and non-violent crime down 14.5 per cent.

Crimes against people were down 2.8 per cent and crimes against property were down 13.2 per cent.

There were no homicides or attempted murders in the ward in 2014 and 2015 and while reported robberies held steady at 17 for both years, this is still lower than the five-year average of 25.

Assaults were up four per cent but sexual violations dropped 16.7 per cent.

Break and enters were down three per cent and auto theft was down seven per cent.

There were 18 impaired driving charges in 2014 and 2015, one higher than the five-year average.

Click the .pdf below to download the full report.