For the fourth consecutive year, overall crime in the City of San Diego has decreased, according to the department's 2025 Annual Crime Statistics Report released this week. Total crime fell 6.3% in 2025 compared to 2024, following a 1.5% drop in 2024 and a 2.7% decrease in 2023.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said the city has not seen crime this low since the 1960s and 1970s. The most dramatic improvements came in violent crime categories: murders decreased by 25%, with detectives solving 26 of the 27 homicide cases reported. Non-fatal shootings dropped 21% compared to 2024, and are down 63% since peaking in 2021. Vehicle thefts fell 22%, reaching their lowest level since 1972.

Property crime also saw major declines. Burglary dropped 23.3%, theft from motor vehicles fell 24.7%, and robbery decreased 11% from 2024. Hate crimes fell 32%, from 60 incidents in 2024 to 41 in 2025.

Mayor Todd Gloria and Chief Wahl attributed the ongoing improvement to community partnerships, effective policing, and technology — particularly the city's expanding network of license plate readers. Wahl noted that faster apprehension helps prevent repeat offenses. One area of concern: gang violence saw a slight uptick in 2025, and the department says it will continue working with community groups to keep that trend in check.

For East County residents in cities like Santee, El Cajon, and La Mesa — which fall under the San Diego County Sheriff's jurisdiction — the regional trend provides context. While city and county data are tracked separately, the broader decline reflects improved safety conditions across the San Diego region.