Violent crime down by 35% in DC, police say

WASHINGTON — A preliminary crime report from the Metropolitan Police Department shows violent crime in the District is down by 35 percent in 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023.

The biggest change by violent crime type was reported robberies, which saw a 41 percent drop. That's followed by a 30 percent drop in homicides. Assaults involving deadly weapons are down by 26 percent, and there was also a one percent drop in reported sex abuse.

Property crimes have also dropped in the District, continuing this year's positive trend after such crimes skyrocketed in 2023. Crimes within this category were down by 16 percent in total. Arson showed the biggest drop, with a 63 percent reduction as compared to the same period last year. Carjackings and similar motor vehicle thefts were down 34 percent, and burglaries were down 19 percent.  

Overall crime is down in the District by 16 percent as of Aug. 14, 2024. This compares to a 26 percent rise in all crimes in 2023.