Police report 32% drop in shooting incidents for 2025

During the Wilmington FY2026 Budget Hearings held on April 23, 2025, significant discussions centered around crime reduction efforts in the city. The Wilmington Police Department (WPD) reported notable progress in decreasing violent crime rates, highlighting a 32% reduction in shooting incidents compared to the same period last year. This marks a remarkable 75% decrease in shootings since 2017, alongside a 77% reduction in murders.

The WPD emphasized that these reductions are largely attributed to ongoing efforts to address group violence and conflicts within the community. In addition to the impressive statistics on shootings and murders, the department noted a 7% decline in overall major crimes in 2025 compared to the previous year. This follows a substantial 21% reduction in Part 1 crimes recorded in 2024.

These figures reflect a broader commitment by the city to enhance public safety and improve community relations. The discussions during the budget hearings underscored the importance of continued investment in crime prevention strategies and community engagement initiatives.

As Wilmington moves forward, the focus will remain on sustaining these positive trends in crime reduction while addressing the underlying issues that contribute to violence. The outcomes of these efforts will be closely monitored as the city prepares for future budget allocations and public safety initiatives.