RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Major crime in Richmond dropped significantly in 2025, according to new data released by the Richmond Police Department. Police Chief Rick Edwards presented the department’s End of Year Crime Briefing on Thursday, Jan. 29, highlighting a 12% decrease in major crimes. Thes e crimes include murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, arson, burglary, larceny and auto theft. “This is the highlight,” Edwards said. “Last year we had 10,265 [reports]. This year we had 9,037 -- the 10-year average is a little over 9,700.” The most major decreases were in robbery, carjacking and rape. Non-fatal shootings also reached their lowest levels since 2015. While the number of homicides remained unchanged at 54 -- tying the city’s total from 2024. “While 54 is 54 way too many -- it is -- when you look at the scope of what we’ve dealt with in the past, progress,” Edwards said. Despite the overall drop in major crime, police say violent crime increased by 8% in 2025. That rise was driven largely by a 32% jump in commercial robberies, many of which targeted vape shops operating illegally in the city, as well as a 113% increase in reported domestic assaults. Edwards said part of the increase in domestic assault reports reflects a change in how those crimes are classified. Edwards attributed the increase to a change in reporting that constitutes choking as aggravated domestic assault, prompting more cases to be tracked. “While I don’t like the statistic for our numbers, I do like the change,” Edwards said. “It shows the value and the importance of tracking those chokings, because that is the biggest indicator for when domestic violence increases, from simple assault to aggravated assault and ultimately to murder.” Traffic safety also emerged as a growing concern. Police reported 13 deadly crashes involving pedestrians, the highest level since 2022. “We’re going to do our job to continue to investigate these crimes and enforce speeding and enforce other traffic laws,” Edwards said. “These are numbers, but they’re also people and family members who are missing their loved ones.” Looking ahead to 2026, the department announced a new partnership with the city’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention aimed at reducing youth gun violence during spring break — a period officials say historically sees an increase in incidents involving young people. The initiative, called Spring Forward, will focus on providing safe activities and engagement opportunities for youth while school is out. “Spring Forward is centered in promoting peace, encouraging positive youth engagement and investment in safe, structured activities during spring break, creating meaningful opportunities for young people,” said Gregory Hopkins, director of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Police say the program is part of a broader strategy to sustain the city’s recent crime reductions while addressing areas where violence remains a persistent challenge. ...read more read less