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Portsmouth police report drops in property crime, vehicle thefts and homicides; aggravated assaults remain a concern
Summary
Chief of Police Eugene Jenkins told the Crime and Gun Violence Prevention Task Force on July 28 that Portsmouth saw a marked decline in property crimes and homicides compared with 2024, while aggravated assaults and shootings continue to require attention.
Chief of Police Eugene Jenkins told the Portsmouth Crime and Gun Violence Prevention Task Force on July 28 that the city recorded sizable declines in property crime and motor vehicle theft during the second quarter of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024.
Jenkins said property crime was down about 25% for the April–June quarter and that motor vehicle thefts fell roughly 38%. He attributed some of the decline to public education and a department effort to partner with vehicle manufacturers and distribute anti-theft devices to residents.
The chief said year-to-date totals (January 1 through the day the data were pulled) show an overall reduction in total crime of about 17.15%. Jenkins reported 10 homicides year-to-date compared with 24 at the same point last year and described a 45% reduction in homicides for the second quarter (six compared with 11 in the same quarter in 2024).
Jenkins cautioned there is still no room for complacency. He said aggravated assaults remain the “one that is glaring on the page,” noting the city recorded 39 people shot year-to-date compared with 37 at the same point last year. He listed examples of aggravated assaults ranging from shootings to stabbings and described recent domestic-related stabbings that are being addressed through lethality assessments and referral to care and treatment.
The chief outlined enforcement and prevention measures, including stronger partnerships with retailers to reduce shoplifting and focused public education around vehicle security. He also invited task force members and the public to National Night Out next Tuesday at Freedom Park to improve police-community connections and publicize resources.
During questions, task force members asked about age groups and geographic concentrations behind aggravated-assault numbers. Jenkins said the incidents have been spread across age groups and neighborhoods, describing a mix of domestic incidents and summertime neighborhood fights that can escalate when bystanders intervene.
The presentation and task force discussion emphasized continued outreach, violence interruption and targeted interventions rather than declaring the reductions final.
Ending: The task force did not propose new policy during the meeting; members were encouraged to attend community events and to continue steering prevention work alongside police and community partners.
