Police-Reported Crime Falls in Canada in 2025

Canada’s Crime Severity Index fell by 5% in 2025. Homicides, break-and-enters and motor vehicle thefts also declined, although some offences continued to show concerning trends.

A decline measured across the country

In 2025, the Crime Severity Index, or CSI, fell to 75.0, down 5% from 2024. The conventional crime rate declined by 2% to 5,585 police-reported incidents per 100,000 people. (Statistics Canada, July 22, 2026)

The Violent CSI decreased by 4%, while the Non-violent CSI fell by 5%. The index declined in every province and territory except New Brunswick and Nunavut, as well as in 29 census metropolitan areas. (Statistics Canada, July 22, 2026)

A residential street in Canada with houses and parked cars — A residential street in Canada. Photo: Jason Ng / Unsplash.

Sharp declines in several offences

Break-and-enters had the greatest impact on the overall decrease: their rate fell by 11% in one year and by 41% from 2015. The rate of motor vehicle theft dropped by 16% to 201 incidents per 100,000 people. (Statistics Canada, July 22, 2026)

Insurance data points in the same direction. The Insurance Bureau of Canada reported a 24% decline in auto theft claims between 2024 and 2025. Équité Association recorded 18% fewer stolen vehicles. These datasets differ from police statistics, but they confirm the improvement. (Insurance Bureau of Canada; Équité Association)

Homicide rate at its lowest since 2014

Police services reported 672 homicides, 125 fewer than in 2024. The national rate fell by 16% to 1.61 homicides per 100,000 people. This was the largest annual decline since 1986 and the lowest rate since 2014.

Gang-related homicides fell from 155 to 119. The number of these homicides involving a handgun declined by 39%. (Statistics Canada, July 22, 2026)

Real but uneven improvement

Not every offence declined. The rate of shoplifting valued at $5,000 or less rose by 11%. Police-reported hate crimes fell by 3% but remained more than twice as numerous as in 2018. The fraud rate declined by 4% while remaining 61% higher than in 2015.

Finally, these figures cover only incidents known to police. They vary with public reporting, policing practices and legislative changes. Statistics Canada advises against treating the CSI as a universal indicator of safety. The 2025 decline is measurable progress, but it must be tracked over time and compared with victimization data. (Statistics Canada, Table 35-10-0026-01)