The Raleigh Police Department has good news: Crime in Raleigh is down or unchanged in 2025 compared to this time last year. Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce attributes much of the decrease to the department’s Summer Action Plan 2025. The plan focused officers’ attention on nightlife, parks, and greenways. They also paid extra attention to transportation hubs, and the streets around bars and clubs.
The Summer Action Plan, which ended Aug. 31, emphasized community engagement. RPD plans to continue many of those programs.
Crime Statistics 2025 Compared to 2024
Chief Boyce shared some key statistics in a news conference this week.
Violent crimes:
- Homicides: No change compared to the first eight months of 2024 (21 homicides)
- Robberies: Down 6 percent
- Aggravated Assaults: Down 7 percent
Property Crime:
- Motor Vehicle Theft: Down 27 percent
- Larceny from Motor Vehicles: Down 19 percent
- Residential Burglary: Down 14 percent
- Larceny: Down 3 percent
- Commercial Burglary: Up 3 percent
“We’re seeing continued progress in key categories,” Chief Boyce says.
Community Engagement
During the summer, RPD placed more officers on the street to create more trust and communication. Efforts included the “Cops on the Block” program, which encourages residents to talk with police in non-emergency settings.
The Raleigh Police Department also hosted 13 youth camps with almost 700 participants.
Chief Boyce also mentioned success with five “Raleigh Hoop Nights” over the summer. At the events, officers played basketball with youth at various community centers on Fridays.
Looking Ahead
RPD plans to continue Cops on the Block and various mentorship opportunities in the future.
Also, RPD’s Community Police Academy is scheduled to launch in October, providing residents with a hands-on insight into police work. For more information, visit Community Police Academy.
