Crime Statistics Reveal Decrease in Overall Crime Rates Across Three Years

The Monthly Public Safety Meeting held on June 2, 2025, in College Park, Maryland, focused on crime statistics and trends within the community. The meeting began with a presentation of the 2025 crime statistics, which included a comparison of data from the previous two years, 2023 and 2024. This new format aimed to provide a clearer understanding of crime trends over time.

The data revealed a significant decrease in overall crime rates over the past three years, with reported incidents dropping from 214 to 177, and then to 166. This downward trend was highlighted as a positive development, although officials acknowledged that every crime, regardless of its severity, remains a concern.

During the meeting, Major Colletti opened the floor for questions regarding the new crime data presentation. Attendees sought clarification on the year-to-date statistics, which covered the period from January to May for each of the three years compared. The discussion emphasized the importance of understanding these trends, noting that fluctuations in crime can occur due to one or two particularly bad months.

A significant point of discussion was the rise in shoplifting incidents, which have been increasing not only in College Park but across the entire DMV area. Specific examples were provided, including multiple calls for service related to shoplifting at a CVS location. The types of items being stolen ranged from food and hygiene products to tools and clothing, indicating a diverse range of targets for shoplifters.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring crime trends and addressing public safety concerns. The data presented and the discussions held underscored the ongoing efforts of local law enforcement to enhance community safety and respond to emerging crime patterns.