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Crime in Montreal, Canada

Crime rates in Montreal, Canada

Level of crime
28.24 Low
Crime increasing in the past 3 years
49.60 Moderate
Worries home broken and things stolen
29.17 Low
Worries being mugged or robbed
25.27 Low
Worries car stolen
23.60 Low
Worries things from car stolen
38.31 Low
Worries attacked
24.73 Low
Worries being insulted
26.68 Low
Worries being subject to a physical attack because of your skin colour, ethnic origin or religion
15.86 Very Low
Problem people using or dealing drugs
45.13 Moderate
Problem property crimes such as vandalism and theft
42.53 Moderate
Problem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery
25.87 Low
Problem corruption and bribery
54.74 Moderate

Safety in Montreal, Canada

Safety walking alone during daylight
89.92 Very High
Safety walking alone during night
69.22 High

Contributors: 383

Last update: April 2019

These data are based on perceptions of visitors of this website in the past 3 years.

If the value is 0, it means it is perceived as very low, and if the value is 100, it means it is perceived as very high.

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45 Comments so far

#Verdunite on Feb 06, 2019 :
Been living in Verdun for the last 4 years, and before that 5 years in Griffintown (pre-condopocalypse). To be honest in all that time ive only had my car broken into once (in Griffintown) because I carelessly left my laptop in overnight (thieves have ways of detecting large electronics).
I love my neighborhood, neighbors look out for each other and the streets are very safe. I live next to a zone that used to have gang activity (3rd Street) and can't say theres really anything happening anymore. Never been accosted, approached or bothered and I am routinely out at night due to work.
Montreal is very safe, just have your wits about you and use the same common sense that applies to any big city.
#Montrealer on Jan 11, 2019 :
Stay out of the black areas and you'll be much much safer and enjoy the city way more.
#Duke on Aug 15, 2018 :
I’ve been reading a lot of hyperbolic comments about Montreal, from “this is the safest city in North America” to “you’ll get robbed/mugged/violated in some other way”. Out of curiosity, how the heck are there so many shootings in a city that claims to be safe AND is in a country that doesn’t allow firearms? If nothing else, how come people claim it’s the safest when Toronto routinely ranks above it in safety indices? The “pro-Montrealers” just keep regurgitating the same cliche of “we’re ranked best and safest” without backing that up with real data or proof. It’s like the media is trying to shove this idyllic image of Montreal down people’s throats because the city needs evert tourism penny it can get, and those who are loyal to Montreal are just biased and can’t let go of their pride. Montreal might have been the best XYZ at one point, but it sure isn’t anymore.
#E on Jul 23, 2018 :
We were parked in a bright lot with cameras at the Old Port, during broad daylight BESIDE a monitored security office, and security patrol driving around. Our window was broken and backpack with laptop was stolen. Children's things in the car and all.
#Tony on Jun 19, 2018 :
I lived in Montreal all of my life until last year. It wasn't until moving away that I started appreciating how safe Montreal is. I used to walk alone at night all the time in Montreal with no problem, which I don't feel as safe to do where I live now. In 23 years, I've only been robbed once when I had my phone snatched out of my hands at Atwater Metro. I once had my bike stolen too. Other than that, in 23 years, I've never had anything happen to me.
#IKnow on May 05, 2018 :
I have lived in Verdun last 3 years. no problems at all. I even go biking at night. I leave at 10 pm and come back in daylight. I bike all over downtown city. lil burgs. east end all down st catherines est untill it ends where thr real ghetto and prostitutes and ive never ever hsd a problem
#Nico from beaco on Mar 22, 2018 :
In the past week 10 teenagers have gone missing and that number is increasing
#Anonymous on Oct 20, 2017 :
Toronto claimed 150+(per year) murders when I was living there in 2002-2004. I surely avoided some areas.
#Anonymous on Oct 20, 2017 :
If you understand the social economics of a city, then a rational decision will follow as to accepting the perils that coexist.
#LOL MArla on Aug 20, 2017 :
Damn Marla, you must be on some type of hard drugs. Montreal is the safest major city in North America, and one of the safest in the world! most people here are just making shit up, such as Marla. Crime is going down yearly.
#Eric Savoie on Aug 18, 2017 :
To Marla and Sherri: take your meds!!! Please readers don't believe a iota what those psychos are describing. Perhaps you act like total asses and that's why you got attacked! I've lived in Montreal for over 20 years, lived in different neighbourhoods and the city IS a safe and lovely place to live! Please come and visit us we enjoy visitors! Montreal is ranked one of the safest places in the World, but like anything else if you are not smart, and rude and idiot, something will happen to you WHEREVER you are! And the French speaking do speak English most of the time and welcome visitors. Hope you'll enjoy your visit or your new city! :))
#Marla on Aug 05, 2017 :
Typo on that last email, I meant that I have BEEN followed, harrassed and assaulted by strangers in that filth stinky city.
#Marla on Aug 05, 2017 :
Yes, it is like Nazi Germany. Lots of very racist people, and French hating English is racism too. I have followed, harrassed and assaulted by strangers in that filthy stinky city. Police are being investigated for corruption. Crazy drivers in the streets tried to run me over on several occasions. Many people seem disoriented and do not know if they are coming or going and some are angry walking lunatics ready to attack and vent their frustations on some innocent victim. The people do not care about other people, have no consideration for anyone. They look psycho like they want to assault someone or cause serious bodily harm. Lots of alcoholics and drug users and govt letting people out of institutions to save money. They never seem to have enough money in this town even though the taxes are sky high and the city is overpriced. The city has literally gone to the dogs. Hell is probably a better place. You meet a better class of people. And the French elitism and horrible immigrants they are letting in are destroying the ciy further.
#Sherri C on Aug 05, 2017 :
I have been in Montreal for just over 3 years and was assaulted 8 times by strangers. 4 were women, 4 were men, 2 were sexual assaults. The others involved a punch in the arm, a woman tried to break my legs by pushing a stroller with a child in it right into me, one guy walked right into me after getting off a bus attempting to cause me harm and hurt my legs. They seem to be into leg breaking in that town. Some of these people seemed crazy, some not. 2 were French Canadian, the rest all immigrants, non English. I am always getting harrassed in that town by people trying to get me to talk to them and they seem to be into some kind of criminal activity. The police are lame there too. Does not help the situation. That city has a long history of extreme violence committed by people who should be locked up in max security.
#Mikey on Jan 25, 2017 :
Parc Painter used to be crazy back back then. Used to always be in the news. You couldnt even go to the parc at night. Gangs litteraly controlled it to sell drugs. I always pass by the nieghborhood when i take the 171. It always looks sketchy and shit.
#Anonymous on Dec 21, 2016 :
#granny moses: I urge you to call Purolator (1 888-744-7123) and ask to be put in touch with the St-Pierre depot to report this incident as that is the depot in which the courier would be based out of. They will definitely investigate the situation as such an act of violence is not tolerated by Purolator.
#granny moses on Nov 11, 2016 :
I am a senior citizen in Lasalle. A Purolator delivery man got very angry with me when I questioned him about jut leaving my package on by doorstep. I explained my street has heavy foot traffic and the package could easily be stolen. He became furious, charged to my door. I thought he would hit me. I tried to shut the door, but he kicked it open. While he regained his balance, I managed to shut the door and lock it. I called the police. Not a police matter they said. Maybe if it happened to their mother or wife, it would be. Meanwhile the big bootprint remains on my front doorl So the message is, shut up and stay in the house seniors. You ARE on your own.
#molts on Aug 29, 2016 :
Want to note that "corruption and bribery" is mostly on the higher up levels. The cops & other service level people aren't corrupt and will not take brides like in other third world countries, especially Eastern Europe. Here we are talking about political system corruption. I'm writing this in case someone gets a wrong idea and tries to bribe a cop - this won't end well!
#Anonymous on Aug 13, 2016 :
Little Lebanon is a sketchy area. I used to live on Thompson Blvd next to Jules Poitras Ive never been in danger or anything but ive never felt safe. The neighborhood just has an awful vibe.
#Anonymous on Jul 21, 2016 :
I've been living here for 4 months. So far, I've been pickpocketed at the old port when I had a large purse (someone managed to reach in and grab it without me noticing!) and today my passenger window was punched out of my car, and my laptop was stolen while at the gym. Having moved here from the US where I never had any issues, I'm extremely disappointed. Worst city ever.
#Maryse on Jul 08, 2016 :
Chameran-Lebeau is awful. I lived there for 1 year because of cheap rent. The people there are discusting. I hear sirens all the time. Apperantly there was a shooting on the street behind me a week ago. Just an awful neighborhood. I have never went back to Ville Saint Laurent after that.
#Anonymous on Jul 07, 2016 :
There are low income neighborhoods with minorities everywhere but there not necessarily violent. Id say the areas where you hear about the most violent crimes (Assaults,Stabbings,Shootings) Are in Ville Saint Laurent (Ranked Number 1 for Attempted Murder), Saint-Michel, Montreal North. If youre a tourist you shouldnt even go in these areas anyway. There far from downtown and all the attractions.
#Anonymous on Jul 02, 2016 :
I have found no comments on Ville Saint-Pierre.... PLEASE avoid Ville Saint-Pierre. It's the east of Lachine and used to be separate from it until a few years ago- now it's part of it, and that's probably why the crime rate for Lachine is so high.

I lived on Des Érables for a year and a half- on my first or second day there, this guy asked me if I wanted to collect money for his drug dealing ring. I refused, went my own way. I never felt safe walking down the street if it wasn't early in the morning. You somehow always feel watched in this neighborhood.

There's always an ambulance or police cars active near Des Érables at night at least once every two weeks.

A few months later, my girlfriend slept over, and during the night, a guy broke in. He turned on the lights, opened the doors. I figure he thought no one was home, because he opened the door to my bedroom, turned on the light, and looked at me. I think the weirdest part is that he gestured for me to keep quiet, then to follow him, before he turned off the lights and closed my door. Obviously I barricated the door as soon as he closed it, called 911- I wanted to keep my girlfriend safe.

From then on, there was at least three more break-ins into my apartment on Des Érables. My desktop was stolen along with all of my jewerly. I left as soon as possible.

Overall, please, please please avoid Ville St-Pierre.
#Anonymous on Jun 15, 2016 :
RDP, Verdun, Lachine Ville-Saint-Laurent have some pretty slummy areas. But most of the time crime is inbetween gangs and criminals. Just to be safe if your a young lady, just stay away from any sketchy areas at night. Montreal is a great city
#yeezy on Jun 06, 2016 :
To everyone saying crime is on the rise, its all bull shit. Montreal is the safest large city in North America and has one of the lowest murder rates in the WORLD! yeah theres some areas to avoid, but just keep your mouth shut and mind your business and you'll be safe.
#Layla on Jun 01, 2016 :
Chameran is a lot better since they shut down the drug and fraud operations. They arrested over a dozen people. There hasnt been any shooting or incident in a while. Kids can play outside and moms walk the neighborhood without a problem. If youre white tho it might be hard to fit in since its pretty much only Africans and people from the middle east.
#Anonymous on May 28, 2016 :
Yea ive heard about Little Lebanon. The name is actually Chamran-Lebeau. Very Poor and lots of crime
##finallygotout on May 25, 2016 :
Ahunsic cartierville is very small .no restaurants no high end shopping what so ever.everybody is drunk , on drugs, or selling them. Females cannot walk the streets without someone thinking your a prostitute. Not a safe place to raise kids and the police I'm sure are a gang of their own defiantly never walk alone after 8 pm its sad
#Anonymous on May 20, 2016 :
Ever heard of Chamoland (Little Lebanon) in Saint-laurent? Thats a neighborhood i never would go near at night.. Ive heard about shootings, stabbings and operations against drug dealers. Its also known for fraud
#Eddy on Apr 16, 2016 :
I lived in Montreal virtually all my life, and I'm, by local standards, perfectly bilingual. I feel like I have seen more crime during my youth than now. However, the city is evolving. It's really simple if you want to escape crime; look at the housing and the amount of graffiti around.

I've generally felt safe most of the time at night. Avoid Verdun, south of Pie-IX, Mtl-Noire along Lacordaire, south Berri/Ste-Cathrines, sometimes Park-ex.

Common sense goes a long way. Don't get involved with "Thugs." Don't have an attitude when you do. Don't enter into staring contests with questionable people.

I think the potholes are worst than the crimes, but that's just me.
#Montreal on Mar 25, 2016 :
I was born and raised in Montreal. Worked in parks all over Montreal. Lived in Ahuntsic 20 years ago. I have never ever been afraid to walk alone days or nights. (And I'm a night owl) Very often took the night bus alone 'cause my friends and I weren't living in the same neighbourhood. Nowadays the only place where I would feel insecure is walking in Montreal-north at night. The only reason: street gangs. Because they are the only criminalize organization that don't mind attacking innocent people. Not afraid of any mafia or bikers because those groups are smart enough not to attack innocents. They don't like having the spotlight on them. (Of course there a few exception) As long as leave them alone and mind your own business away from them they won't bother you. (Or course this doesn't include politicians)As a mater of fact, I am well aware that I live now in an area rich in high level Mafiosi and I feel VERY secured. Just be smart enough to stay away
#Steve on Feb 24, 2016 :
Crime rate is on the rise, avoid neighbourhoods like Mtl-north, st Michel, pointe st-Charles, little burgundy.. High crime rates; drug dealings, shootings/stabbings, robbery, muggings...
#BigH on Dec 31, 2015 :
Mtl has some nice areas, where you have no worry of crimes... than you have areas like; Little Burgundy, st Michel, mtl north, pointe st Charles, hochelaga maisonneuve, that have very high crime rates, assaults, gang banging, mugging, drug dealing, fraud, vandalism,shootings and stabbings!!
#Tello on Dec 29, 2015 :
Worst parts of Montreal susceptible of attacks are Southwest (Lachine,Lasalle,Verdun) and Northeast (Saint-Michel,Montreal-North) but mostly gang related (Red & Blue). Berri metro area has a drug problem that is EXTREME.
#Herb on Dec 19, 2015 :
What's all this stuff about Verdun, yeah it used to be bad with the bikers but the police really stepped it up starting 20 years ago. Now around the neighbourhood I see a lot of young families that are there for the cheap rent, it's changed a lot. I've never been attacked, robbed or mugged in Verdun in 30+ years there, but now I don't even feel there's a risk.
#Miles on Nov 24, 2015 :
You must've never been around other places in verdun cause i got robbed on egan street the other day
#Richard on Nov 04, 2015 :
Verdun isnt what it used to be. Before crime was high and it wasnt the place you wanted to walk around alone after 10 but cops took down all the gangs there the only streets that i can think of who still have gangs are the 3rd avenue and Allen St. where the housing projects are but its still not what it used to be. Verdun is a nice neighborhood now.
#Rick on Oct 30, 2015 :
I have no idea what you people are talking about I live in Verdun , it is the nicest and safest neighborhood around, lots of families and cheap rent and amazing restaurants. No problems, a few beggars but c mon i ve seen more in Sudbury, Ontario and Trois Rivieres , Quebec than in Verdun and seriously they all keep to themselves. I m a rather large guy but my girlfriend is a tiny pixie and she s never had any trouble either. The only places really to shy away from in Montreal is Montreal North and a few streets in Lachine but with gentrification there is less and less of those.
#marcus on Sep 05, 2015 :
Im an aussie did travel to montreal last week i find it safe did travel to all the bad nasty place yet I've got no issue maybe pure lack or what ever i've encounter lots of beggars thats about it. I walk on street west of Montreal that look very nasty very old building empty apartment broken glass i know its nasty hood but i just keep walking all the way to the city centre no issue see few hoomie teens ask for money but i say no n keep walking i can tell its a nasty poor neiborhood. mine you im 6'6 140 kilo so maybe that make a lot of different. But yea you're guys are right there's bad but not all bad there's good too. Like Montreal women are beautiful.
#Anonymous on Aug 09, 2015 :
Montreal, like any city, definitely has its problems but my experience here has been so unpredictable that its hard to say whether it's a lack of safety or my own dumb luck: was held at gun point by a bunch of teenagers in Westmount park (a notoriously "safe" area with its own police force), have been verbally harassed by countless strangers in the metros, on buses, while driving in taxis (other cars) and on the streets, however this has never reached a physical point, though I did carry a knife for a long time because of this. I've always lived in the South-west area and for sure, these places are not perfect-in every apartment I've had, at least one of my neighbors were clearly drug dealers/drug den operators which is fine as long as you don't get involved beyond being friendly. I've heard plenty of stories about muggings-even house raids. But I think a little bit of street smarts goes a long way. Be aware of your surroundings.

The real shame of this city is the anglo/franco tension. It's horrible as an anglo. I was born in Quebec and have never left but still feel like a constant outsider and second-class citizen. If you are an English-speaker and hope to move to Montreal, I'd seriously reconsider. This city eats up the hopes and ambitions of specifically English-speaking folks and offers nothing in exchange.
#Vdep on Jul 30, 2015 :
And about crimes :
Murders and guns attacks are very rare and it's usually related to personnal issues between people who already knew each others, like drugs dealers and their consummers or between two different criminal clans, but we never ear about murders for no reason, I would be more scared about rapes (most of the time a man you met in a bar putting something in your drink : whatch your drink) if you are a woman alone, but if you are carefull you are very safe.
#vdep on Jul 30, 2015 :
I have been living in Montreal for three years now (before I lived outside the island), and I am a young lady, walking most of the time alone. I never had any problems. Just be careful and stay in good neighborhoods.

I was living in Cote-des-Neiges close to Westmount (avenue Victoria/Chemin de la cote St-Luc). I never walked alone in streets after midnight and never had a problem, if you are a small group or with a man it's usually very safe even at night. From this point to downtown is approximately 25$ for a taxi ride. I do not recommand anyone else than a student living in Cote-des-Neiges because in summertime (from May to august) nothing goes on in Cote-des-Neiges, but from September to April there is a lot partying because of universities around. nd there are some areas of Cote-Des-Neiges (close to Plaza Cote-des-Neiges) hardcore and very poor, the closest you go from the Mont-Royal the safer you are.

The old port of Montreal is a very expensive area, but awesome with activities going on all year long, particularely during summer. Downtown is a must but I'd rather live a little bit further.

I strongly suggest to live in centre of the island : Villeray, Plateau Mont-Royal, Mile-End, Outremont, Westmount, Old Port of Montreal, Downtown, Rosemont, Le village (le Village is a gay area with a lot of bar and restaurants, but if you are hetero you might be annoyed by the amount of attention you will receive), Le village Shaughnessy, La petite italie. In short, live close to the Mont Royal (mountain), all the soul of montreal is around this awesome area. Montreal is a very artistic and open minded city. Speaking french is a good plus, but as a french native I can tell you if you learn basics as (thank you/merci, please/s'il-vous-plait, hello/bonjour, good night/bonne soirée, etc.) you can perfectly fit in the city, but if you plan to stay for years, PLEASE take a lesson, you will struggle finding a good job in Montreal if you don't speak french.

DO NOT :
Do not live in areas where there are no metro, it usually means there is no action or no cool stuff going on there cause it's too far, and it's a nightmare moving from a point to another.
Do not rent a car if you come in Montreal for a short trip, it's VERY HARD TO FIND A PARKING, and parking infractions cost 53$. (I had 3 in one week, you don't want this -_- )
Do not sit beside the taxi driver if alone.
Do not go in parks at night.
Do not hang out around metros after it's closed. (Metro in Montreal is not opened during night, usually closed arount midnight, take a taxi if you are too far from your destination.)

Hope my review will help you loving Montreal as much as I do.
and by the way : Winter here is aweful, if you are not from a Nordic Country you will found out you've never knew what it's like to be COLD AS FUCK lol But still we get used to it :) Enjoy :D
#Watchout on Jul 25, 2015 :
Lots of crimes mostly from French immigrants.
This link shows you some suspects, call info crime if you suspect to see anyone.
http://adr.tv/suspects/?&page=1
#Montrealer on Jul 21, 2015 :
Born and raised in Montreal, I have to say im looking to leave this city in the near future. CRIMES ARE ON THE RISE. I got attacked recently and beat up to the ground, kicks to the head with no mercy from young MARROCAIN immigrants! Just to steal my phone. This place is becoming a shithole from bringing all these french speaking illiterate immigrants.

Do not take risks, walk with a strong pepper spray at all times, if you can get a gun at home do so. I barely know anyone who didnt get robbed, had his car jacked or attacked on the street. Do not think of coming here unless we get rid of all these new infiltrators out. Immigrants who came from 2000 and onwards.

Its sad that this beautiful city has turned upside down. Thank you for bringing the world garbage here.
#Itacan on Jun 13, 2015 :
I lived here since 1996 and always loved it, but last few years it seemed that Montreal is becoming a very sad place. Yes life is ok, it is stable, people are relaxed and friendly, they are still smiling. But scratch little bit deeper and you will see the truth: nothing here is what it seems! The smile doesn't mean anything at all, people are not friendly they are just trying to brush you off politelly, no one has any money to spend, french are destroying the city by descriminating against english speaking citizens and immigrants, health system is ruined, schools are not teaching kids anything anymore, people love to socialize on social networks, but are afraid of physical contact, restaurants are closing, big companies are moving out, 16000 people on average are leaving Montreal every year. And I could go on and on and on. Of course there are some good things about Montreal like nature, but it's not the only place on earth with parks, rivers and mountains. There is no vibe or energy that media is trying to push SO HARD. It is becomng a city for teenagers and clubbers, but for people with kids and families it's a very, very sad place. I am sorry, I love this city, but I see no future for my family here.
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