B.C. Crime Severity Index falls for second straight year, StatCan data show

British Columbia’s Crime Severity Index has declined for a second consecutive year, according to Statistics Canada data based on police-reported crime in 2025. The index is down nearly 12 per cent from 2023.

The figures cited by the province show reported extortion offences fell seven per cent, shoplifting fell two per cent and child sexual abuse fell 21 per cent.

Public Safety and Solicitor General Minister Nina Krieger attributed the results to partnerships and investments involving governments, First Nations, police, community organizations and businesses. She cited policing, mental-health and addiction supports, housing and crime-prevention work.

The province also pointed to its Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement Program, the expanded Repeat Violent Offending Intervention Initiative and the provincewide Chronic Property Offending Intervention Initiative. Krieger said more work remains on repeat offending, organized crime and other serious issues.