Canada's crime severity index decreased 4% in 2024, marking the first decline after three consecutive years of increases, Statistics Canada announced.
The national statistics agency said non-violent crime had the most significant impact on the overall decline, with the non-violent crime severity index dropping 6% last year.
Non-violent crimes include property and drug offences. This category had previously increased 9% from 2021 to 2023.
The violent crime severity index fell 1% in 2024, having a smaller effect on the overall picture. Violent crime had risen for three consecutive years prior, increasing 15% over that period.
Statistics Canada developed the crime severity index to address limitations in police-reported crime rates that are influenced by high-volume but less serious offences.
The index measures both the volume and severity of police-reported crime across Canada.
