STATISTICS Canada has released its 2024 Crime Severity Index (CSI) data, showing crime severity in New Westminster has declined to its lowest level since 2018. The overall CSI for the city dropped by 16.9%, with a 23.3% reduction in violent crime severity, and a 14.1% decrease in non-violent crime severity.

“These numbers reflect a meaningful reduction in serious criminal offences,” said Chief Constable Paul Hyland on Thursday. “In 2024, we recorded no homicides and saw decreases in serious assaults, robberies, and property crime. This is encouraging progress, but we know there is still more work to be done.”

The CSI is a statistical measure that captures both the volume and severity of police-reported crime. It should be noted however, the CSI does not take into account police calls for service on non-criminal issues such as mental health, traffic related issues, missing persons, etc.

While this latest data is positive, the NWPD said it acknowledges that statistics do not always reflect people’s feelings of safety in their community. The NWPD continues to invest in proactive patrols and specialized enforcement. In 2024, the department has received approximately $500,000 in provincial funding through the Specialized Investigation and Targeted Enforcement (SITE) and Community Safety and Targeted Enforcement (C-Step) programs. These resources support efforts to address serious and repeat criminal activity, especially in the downtown core.

“We’re encouraged by these results, but we also understand that public safety is about more than numbers,” said Hyland. “We are committed to listening to our community, taking action on criminal activity, and working closely with our partners to address the broader, upstream issues that impact safety in New Westminster.”