Alberta recorded a 9% decrease in both crime severity and overall crime rate in 2024 — more than twice the national decline of 4%, according to new police-reported crime statistics released by Statistics Canada.Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis praised the figures, calling them “clear, measurable results” of Alberta’s investments in public safety, community engagement, and crime prevention. “These strong results show that Alberta is on the right track,” he said in a statement.Property crime and vehicle theft in Alberta fell by 8% and 9% respectively last year, part of a broader downward trend across the province. Alberta also recorded the lowest increase in crime rate among all provinces and a significantly lower rise in crime severity compared to the national average — six times lower, according to the federal agency..Ellis credited the success to the work of law enforcement officers, as well as specialized units within the Alberta Sheriffs who support local police by closing drug houses, apprehending fugitives, and bolstering officer presence in rural areas. He also highlighted the province’s ongoing support for the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams, which target organized and serious crime.But while touting Alberta’s progress, Ellis blamed the federal government for what he described as national failures. “These local successes stand in stark contrast to the ongoing inaction from the federal government whose policies have broken the bail system, allowing violent repeat offenders back on our streets,” he said.He urged Ottawa to reverse “harmful policy decisions” and pledged to continue working with local police to improve safety across Alberta. “People deserve communities in which they can live, work and raise a family in peace and security,” Ellis said.
