Victoria crime severity index climbs in 2025 as BC overall crime falls

Statistics Canada released its 2025 crime severity index showing a province‑wide decline in British Columbia, with the overall crime rate down 12 % since 2023. Crime severity fell 4 % in Kelowna, Kamloops and Chilliwack, extortion offences dropped 7 %, shoplifting 2 % and child sexual abuse 21 %.

In contrast, Victoria’s index rose 4.7 points from the previous year, remaining 6.5 % below the 2023 peak but still above the provincial average. Violent crime increased 5.4 % and non‑violent crime 4.4 %. Robberies jumped 21 % (181 incidents), assaults rose 9.2 % (2,672 incidents) and thefts under $5,000 grew 12.3 % (2,481 incidents). Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger attributed the provincial decline to investments in policing, mental‑health, addiction supports and housing. Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO John Wilson warned that “Victoria continues to record crime levels significantly higher than the provincial average,” and welcomed the province’s Repeat Violent Offending Intervention Initiative expansion.