For decades, Windsor has proudly worn the badge of a safe Canadian city, especially in contrast to its cross-border neighbour, Detroit.
But some longtime residents say that perception is beginning to shift.
“I remember when Detroit was the dangerous place and Windsor was safe,” said Kelly Scheffler, who lives in Windsor’s Walkerville neighbourhood.
“Now, it almost feels like we’re in the opposite situation.”
Her comments come on the heels of several high-profile incidents.
Last weekend, a jewellery store in Windsor was broken into by five suspects, all still on the run.
A day later, a pedestrian was hospitalized after a hit-and-run on the city’s west side.
Police also continue to search for a third suspect in connection with repeated arson attacks at a home in Amherstburg.
Scheffler, who lives near Wyandotte Street, said she’s been more aware of her surroundings, especially as a parent.
“We’ve seen more people being pushed out of downtown,” she said.
“They’re setting up in places like Walkerville. You can tell they’re struggling, and while there’s no judgment, it does feel different — and at times, less safe.”
Anthony Jabbour, who has lived in Windsor since 2003, said he has learned to become more cautious in his day-to-day life.
“Even on the bus, I’m looking around at my surroundings,” he said.
“When I’m with my girlfriend, I’ll sometimes tap her and say, ‘let’s move to the other side.’ There’ve been moments where I just didn’t feel safe.”
Jabbour said he frequently visits downtown Windsor and Sandwich Town, where he sees people visibly struggling with substance use.
Oftentimes, he added, the person he observes is not committing a crime.
“But I know those same people, when they have no control over what they’re using, can take that out on other people,” said Jabbour.
“You kind of make sure you’re on guard a little bit more now. We’re more aware than when I was younger, but I’ve lived here my whole life and now, more than ever, I’m thinking about safety.”
While public concern is growing, police-reported statistics suggest crime is trending downward in Windsor.
According to Windsor police, property crimes in February dropped more than 32 per cent compared to the same month last year.
Crimes against people — such as assaults and robberies — fell by nearly 14 per cent.
Year-to-date data shows a 22 per cent decrease in property crimes compared to the first two months of 2024.
But longer-term data still paints a complex picture.
A Fraser Institute study, which gathered the highest annual crime rates between 2019 and 2022 and adjusted for population, ranked Windsor higher for property crime per capita than New York and even Detroit.
The study also found that while American cities continue to dominate violent crime rankings, Canadian cities — especially in the west — are more likely to top the list for property crime.
However, not everyone agrees that Windsor’s reputation needs rethinking.
“I’ve been living here all my life,” said Ken Pastushyn, who lives in Windsor’s core.
“Windsor’s streets have always been safe, even in our low-rent neighbourhoods.”
He added that while he’s noticed more homelessness, he doesn’t believe the city is as unsafe as some make it out to be.
“There’s plenty of police presence here on a Saturday night,” he said.
“It’s not gangland.”
