B.C. recorded one of the strongest improvements in police-reported crime among the provinces in 2025, even as crime trends across Canada remained mixed.
Statistics Canada said B.C.’s Crime Severity Index fell for the second consecutive year, dropping nearly 12 per cent from 2023 to its lowest level in years. The decline contrasted with Alberta, where the overall Crime Severity Index remained among the highest in Canada despite a slight decrease in violent crime.
“This didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of sustained partnerships and investments in enforcement and intervention by our government, First Nations and local governments, police services, community organizations and businesses that are working together to build a safer province.” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
“This reduction is also the result of focused investments in policing, mental health and addiction supports, housing and crime prevention initiatives. Crime severity in Kelowna, Kamloops and Chilliwack each dropped by 4 per cent, while Nanaimo and Abbotsford-Mission each dropped by 1 per cent. Extortion offences dropped by 7 per cent, shoplifting by 2 per cent, child sexual abuse by 21 per cent and mischief by 1 per cent in B.C.
“While these results are encouraging, we know there is more to do and we’re building on this work with new tools to target repeat offenders, organized crime and other serious issues our province is facing. This includes the introduction of the Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement Program, the expansion of the Repeat Violent Offending Intervention Initiative and the recent provincewide launch of the Chronic Property Offending Intervention Initiative.
“We’re working with Ottawa to strengthen the Criminal Code and have successfully advocated for meaningful reforms to bail and the response to serious issues such as repeat violent offending, extortion, organized retail theft and crimes targeting businesses and critical infrastructure through Bill C-14, which is now law.
“We will continue to focus on initiatives that deliver lasting results that help keep our communities safe, resilient and welcoming for everyone.”
While B.C. posted a decline in its Crime Severity Index, the picture elsewhere in Western Canada was more mixed.
Statistics Canada reported Alberta’s overall Crime Severity Index remained among the highest in Canada in 2025. The province recorded a slight decline in its violent Crime Severity Index compared with 2024, while property crime continued to increase.
The increase in Alberta’s property crime was driven largely by higher rates of shoplifting, fraud and motor vehicle theft. The trends reflected broader national challenges as police and retailers continued to respond to organized retail crime and repeat offenders. Alberta also continued to report one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in Canada, while police faced increasing pressure from fraud offences, including online scams and identity-related crimes.
Nationally, Canada’s overall Crime Severity Index declined slightly in 2025, marking the first decrease since 2021.
