BC Crime Severity Drops To Lowest Level In Six Years

New police-reported crime statistics from Statistics Canada show an encouraging drop in crime across British Columbia.

“The newly released 2024 police-reported crime stats are encouraging. B.C.’s Crime Severity Index fell 11% last year to its lowest level in six years, marking the largest drop in the country.”, says Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger

“This progress reflects the continued efforts by the B.C. government, First Nations and local governments, police services, community organizations and businesses to work together to build safer communities.”

Krieger says targeted investments in policing, mental health, addictions support, housing, and crime prevention programs are starting to show results.

Some of the biggest year-over-year drops were in violent firearm offences, down 20 percent, along with a 24 percent drop in homicides. Robberies were down 8 percent, and mischief offences fell by 4 percent.

While Krieger says the numbers are promising, she also acknowledges that there’s still work to do, especially for those who’ve been directly affected by crime.

She says the province will continue supporting front-line officers and community partners and will keep working to address the root causes of crime and improve safety in communities across BC.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.