Crime rates have decreased in Connecticut, with violent and property crimes down 7.4% and 16.4%, respectively, according to a new report from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). The report, released Monday, said crimes against people fell by 7.4% and crimes against property dropped by 16.4%.

Decrease in Crimes

The drop in crimes against people includes decreases in simple assaults, aggravated assaults, criminal sexual contact, and rape in 2025 when compared to the prior year. The report also shows murders and nonnegligent homicides fell by 20%, down to 70, while negligent homicides fell by 27%, down to 18.

The decline in crimes against property, meanwhile, was driven by reductions in many types of larceny and burglary. Connecticut has been following a nationwide trend in recent years with a drop in crime rates.

Gov. Ned Lamont (D-Connecticut) said the data shows the hard work of local and state police. "Hats off to our police — local police, state police," he said. "We have one of the safest states in the country."

Sen. Paul Cicarella (R-North Haven) said lawmakers always try to make Connecticut safer, but also gave a lot of credit to law enforcement. "I think our commissioner, Commissioner Higgins, is doing a great job," he said. "And I think our law enforcement, our brave men and women, are being very proactive in deterring crime."

Areas of Concern

Crimes against society, which include possession of drugs or illegal weapons, were up 5.7%. The report also shows an increase in so-called Group B crimes, or those where police only make arrests. That includes an increase in drunk driving arrests, but Higgins said that’s because of increased enforcement.

The state saw rises in certain property crimes, as well, including computer crimes. Higgins said state police are prioritizing computer crimes, including a new task force focused on developing new investigative methods.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.