Crime-suppression initiative in Winnipeg's William Whyte neighbourhood yields 9 arrests, police say
Winnipeg Police Service gangs and guns unit launched the initiative for 12 days at the end of February
Police made nine arrests in Winnipeg's William Whyte neighbourhood during a crime-suppression blitz last month.
Winnipeg Police Service's gangs and guns unit launched the initiative for 12 days at the end of February, after the neighbourhood experienced higher crime levels when compared to last year, police said in a news release Friday.
Reports of multiple firearm-related offences, arsons and assaults in the area had raised concerns within the community, police said.
The neighbourhood also saw several serious crimes within a short time frame — a double shooting on Feb. 15 on Alfred Avenue, off Aikins Street, and an assault on Feb. 27 on Magnus Avenue, between Andrews and McGregor streets — that left three people dead.
Const. Dani McKinnon said the initiative was a response to violence and is what the community was asking for and needed.
"They were reporting, they were asking for help," McKinnon said at a news conference on Friday.
"Community safety is our priority."
Many of the people arrested were linked to known criminal and gang organizations.
Proactive efforts included traffic stops and engagement with individuals by police.
Outstanding arrest warrants were also pursued and bail enforcement conditions were monitored and enforced, police said in the news release.
In total, police made nine arrests, 36 individual stops, 21 traffic stops, executed a firearms search warrant on Manitoba Avenue east of Arlington Street, and made 25 wanted person and bail enforcement checks.
Police also arrested a 14-year-old boy on Feb. 19 for alleged involvement in a shooting in the neighbourhood.
It's too early to say whether the initiative will be expanded, McKinnon said, but police will review the data collected during the initiative and go from there.
Community reporting and crime analysis helps police to track crime trends throughout the city and deploy resources effectively, the news release said.
McKinnon also acknowledged a grassroots community tip line in the neighbourhood, but she suggests people use Winnipeg's "tried and true" Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line, where every tip received is followed up on.
People can call the Winnipeg Crime Stoppers tip line at 204-786-TIPS. It offers cash rewards for information that helps solve crimes, recover stolen property, seize drugs or firearms, or locate wanted individuals.