Stockton Sees Sharp Drop in Property Crimes, But Theft Cases Remain Stubbornly High

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Stockton’s crime numbers are showing signs of improvement in 2025, with a significant drop in several key categories. However, one statistic continues to stand its ground, leaving authorities and residents alike scratching their heads.

According to data from January through June, major property crimes such as burglaries, robberies, and auto thefts have seen impressive decreases compared to the same period last year. Burglaries dropped by nearly half, down 45.5%, while robberies fell 25.8% and auto thefts declined 35%. Yet, despite these gains, the number of reported larceny and theft cases barely budged, decreasing by just 0.62%.

Larceny and theft, including offenses like shoplifting, remain the most frequently reported crimes in Stockton, according to investigations conducted by the Stockton Police Department. The category’s stagnant numbers stand in contrast to the broader downward trend and have prompted questions about what’s driving this lingering issue.

Stockton Police Department spokesperson Officer David Scott acknowledged the unusual discrepancy. “Our property crime statistics this year show significant progress, but still, work needs to be done,” Scott said. He pointed out that while thefts did fall 39.3% from May to June alone, the overall volume of these cases makes large percentage shifts more difficult.

In total, the city recorded 5,187 crimes in the first six months of 2025, compared to 6,234 in the same timeframe last year, a drop of 16.8%. Violent crimes such as homicides and aggravated assaults also declined, though with more modest improvements. Homicides fell 36.7%, from 30 to 19, while aggravated assaults dropped by 5%, from 1,229 to 1,168 cases.

One category that did not follow the downward trend was rape, which saw an 18.4% rise, climbing from 38 cases in the first half of 2024 to 45 this year. Arson incidents also increased by 12.7%, increasing from 71 to 80 reported cases.

The focus on improving public safety in Stockton has intensified in recent years, with local police ramping up efforts to combat property crimes. Measures include targeted patrols, increased community engagement, and the use of technology to track and deter criminal activity.

While the department sees encouraging signs in most areas, theft-related crimes continue to pose a challenge. Officer Scott emphasized that addressing theft remains a key priority. “The department is making an effort at reducing thefts in a number of ways,” he added, though specific tactics were not detailed.

Despite the mixed results, the overall trend suggests that Stockton’s crime prevention strategies may be gaining traction. Still, the persistence of theft-related incidents reminds us that progress in public safety often comes in stages.

As city leaders and law enforcement work to build on these recent improvements, the coming months may determine whether the drop in other crimes can eventually extend to the stubbornly high theft figures and bring relief to local residents and businesses alike.