The severity of crimes committed in Woodstock is on the decline. That's according to a report released Thursday by the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics. The Overall Crime Severity Rating indicates the frequency and severity of local reported crime has been reduced by 8.3% since 2010. Woodstock Police Chief Rod Freeman says their was a notable reduction in the severity of both violent and nonviolent crimes such as property crimes in the City. "The report also reflects that the overall weighted clearance rate is consistant at 40 percent which is also good news and we have seen a significant increase of 9.1 percent in clearing crimes of violence." Freeman says there are a few reasons he believes the numbers are dropping. "We've got a justice system that works very well although there are a few problems with it still, in comparison to justice systems right around the globe, we've got probably the best justice system in the world and also I think it's a combination of a terrific working relationship between police forces around the country and our citizens." "We're very pleased. Anytime we can see statistics that support the fact that our community is becoming a safer community, that's something we celebrate around here but we also recognize there is still work to do. We still have people out there being victimized from time to time and we have to work very diligently to catch those offenders and get them before the courts." Freeman says this is positive news for the City but police will continue to refine some of their crime prevention initiatives to ensure the numbers continue to drop.

Tip Tuesday with the Oxford OPP - September 2026
Suspect Wanted in Dirt Bike Hit and Run
Stelco to Lay Off Hundreds of Workers
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Oxford County
A Record Breaking Hike for Hospice in Woodstock
Flu Season Begins in SWPH Region
Interview with a City Councillor - September 28th, 2026
OCFA Debate in Embro Tonight
PJHL Recap - Sept 25th to Sept 27th
Navy Vets Recap - Sept 25th and Sept 26th
Fall Fest Returns to Museum Square
CAMI and Unifor Local 88 Receive Wes Magill Award
Bridge Closure in Otterville Today
Oxford County Wants Your Climate Stories
Charges Laid after Single-Vehicle Collision
SIU Closes Investigation in Embro
Collision in Zorra Sends Two to Hospital
PJHL Preview - Sept 25th to Sept 27th
Fatal Fire Investigation Concludes in Simcoe