Car and residential break-ins surged dramatically in Newton, with residential burglaries skyrocketing by 117% and car break-ins increasing by 63% in 2024 compared to the previous year. The Public Safety & Transportation Committee meeting on January 22, 2025, highlighted these alarming trends, emphasizing that many of these crimes are opportunistic, often targeting unlocked vehicles and homes.

During the meeting, officials noted that 71% of car break-ins involved unlocked vehicles, primarily occurring overnight or in the early morning hours. The discussion revealed a pattern of targeting valuables, particularly jewelry and items easily pawned. While most incidents appear random, a notable exception involved a break-in at the home of a Celtics coach during a game, suggesting some targeted activity.

The committee also addressed a rise in hate crimes, with incidents increasing from one in 2023 to seven in 2024. The nature of these incidents often involves bias-related speech rather than direct criminal acts. Specific cases included defaced signs and graffiti, reflecting broader societal tensions linked to events in the Middle East.

Traffic safety was another focal point, with car crashes up by 6% overall, although pedestrian crashes saw a significant decrease of 30%. Bicycle crashes, however, rose by 27%. The committee identified key locations, such as the intersection of Center and Washington Streets, as hotspots for accidents, often attributed to driver inattentiveness and failure to observe stop signs.

In response to these issues, the city has implemented directed patrols and traffic enforcement measures, aiming to deter crime and improve safety. However, officials acknowledged the ongoing challenges, noting that despite increased enforcement, crashes continue to occur in the same locations.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for community awareness and proactive measures to combat rising crime rates and enhance public safety in Newton.