British Columbia’s Crime Severity Index fell for a second straight year in 2025, dropping nearly 12 per cent compared to 2023 levels to reach its lowest point in years, according to new police-reported statistics from Statistics Canada.

Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Nina Krieger credited the decline to targeted provincial investments in law enforcement, crime prevention, mental health, and housing, as well as joint efforts with local governments and police services.

Data released by the province showed crime severity decreases across several municipalities, including four per cent drops in Kelowna, Kamloops, and Chilliwack, and one per cent declines in Nanaimo and Abbotsford-Mission. Extortion offences across B.C. fell by seven per cent, while shoplifting dropped two per cent and child sexual abuse reports decreased by 21 per cent.

Krieger pointed to new tools targeting repeat violent offenders, chronic property crime, and organized retail theft, noting recent federal bail reforms under Bill C-14 will further support provincial enforcement efforts.