Crime Rates Continue to Rise in Richmond, October Figures Show

Shoplifting incidents, in particular, have surged, with 140 reported cases last month—well above the five-year average for this time of year. Fraud incidents also saw a significant spike, with 101 cases recorded in October, compared to an average of around 82.

Violent crime figures were similarly higher than usual, with a total of 161 incidents reported, surpassing the typical range of 131 to 150. Among these, 53 were categorized as common assaults, while 24 involved sexual offences. The RCMP also reported 21 serious assaults—those involving weapons—matching the number from the previous month. Notably, 19% of these assaults involved suspects who were unknown to the victims.

Auto thefts have also become a growing concern, with a 57% increase in October compared to the previous month. A total of 33 vehicles were stolen, contributing to a 13% year-to-date increase in auto thefts compared to the same period in 2023.

Overall, crime in Richmond has risen by 1% this year, with 103 more incidents reported to the RCMP compared to 2023. Law enforcement continues to monitor the situation closely, as the community grapples with these rising crime rates.