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Crime news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
California crime rates hit record lows, with homicide down 18.6% since 2024. The state's lowest homicide rate since 1966 shows public safety gains.
Background
California has seen double-digit declines in every major crime category since 2024, including homicide, robbery, property crime, and motor vehicle theft. In 2025, every major statewide crime rate fell, and the state recorded its lowest homicide rate since statewide reporting began in 1966. The state attributes this to gun safety measures, closer cooperation between state and local law enforcement, and targeting organized criminal networks.
How it unfolded
- 2024California began seeing double-digit declines in major crime categories, including homicide down 18.6% and robbery down 19.9%.
- 2025Every major statewide crime rate fell, with the lowest homicide rate since 1966.
- Aug 31, 2026Governor Newsom's office issued a press release highlighting record-low crime rates and attributing them to gun safety and law enforcement cooperation.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The state government says crime is down and credits gun safety and law enforcement cooperation.
- Caution
- Some media outlets may not report these statistics, suggesting a potential disconnect between data and public perception.