Arson reports have increased 673% over the last 10 years in Regina: crime stats

Regina has seen a massive uptick in the number of arsons reported to police in the last 10 years.

In 2023 there were 433 arsons reportedin the city, a 673 per cent increase from the 56 reported in 2014.

These numbers were part of a crime statistics report tabled at Tuesday's meeting of the city's Board of Police Commissioners.

"While theprimary factor behind this increase appears to be a surge in online reporting, concerns remainregarding vacant and abandoned buildings used for shelter and bin fires," the report says.

Police ChiefFarooqSheikhsaid arson is serious.

"Any arson is too many, especially to a residential home," he said.

The statistics report says arsoninvestigations are oftendifficult due to a lack of witnesses or evidence.

"The Regina Police Service has implemented newdata categories to improve tracking and analysis for future reports," the report says.