Edmonton’s overall crime rate fell 6% in 2024, according to the latest statistics released by the Edmonton Police Service (EPS), while the city’s crime severity index (CSI) dropped 5% year-over-year.The figures, based on police-reported crimes per 100,000 people, show a 10% decrease in Edmonton’s violent CSI and a 3% reduction in the violent crime rate compared to 2023. Police say violent crime in the city is now below both provincial and national averages.“These figures demonstrate encouraging results that are a direct product of targeted police work that dedicates the right resources to the right places,” said Interim Chief Warren Driechel, pointing to initiatives like the Transit Community Safety (TRACS) teams and the EPS Guns and Gangs Strategy..Driechel credited high-visibility patrols, particularly around transit hubs and downtown communities, for helping push violent crime to a five-year low. He added that proactive policing increased in 2024 and continues to play a significant role in crime prevention.However, the report also highlighted growing challenges tied to visible public disorder. Shoplifting under $5,000 rose 12% last year, a number police believe is underreported and linked to street-level disturbances. Methamphetamine possession surged by 116% and opioid possession by 152%. Calls for service related to issues such as “trouble with person,” trespassing, encampments, and wellness checks have steadily increased since 2020, with nearly 100,000 such calls in 2024 alone..“These incidents have a significant impact on the well-being of the community and on how safe our communities feel,” Driechel said.“We will continue to emphasize our proactive policing and will work with our partners in government and in the community to respond to conditions on the street.”EPS also reported a 19% increase in probation breaches and a 4% rise in failures to comply with court orders in 2024. Driechel called for greater accountability in the justice system to address repeat offences and reduce ongoing disorder.“As our city continues to grow, so does our approach to addressing the sentiment surrounding crime and disorder while we continue the promising progress we’ve made on lowering our crime rates,” EPS stated in its release.Alberta Public Safety Minister Mike Eliis was pleased with the drop."I appreciate EPS Interim Chief Warren Driechel's positive update on Edmonton's progress in reducing crime and enhancing community safety, highlighting a notable 6% overall decrease and a 3% drop in violent crime that exceeds national trends," Ellis said."It's encouraging to see our collaborative efforts yielding tangible results, though acknowledging that ongoing work remains vital. Continued partnerships with Alberta's government across the province will be essential to sustain these gains and address emerging challenges, ensuring our communities remain safe and resilient."
