Virginia’s 2023 Crime Report Reveals Some Troubling Trends – Virginia

(The Center Square) – The Virginia State Police has released its annual Crime in Virginia report, highlighting an overall increase in violent crime in 2023, as well as some troubling trends that could get even worse in 2024.

In 2023, 20,549 violent crimes were reported in the Commonwealth, an increase of nearly 10% over 2022 – even though the population also grew by about 10% during that time.

The number of attacks on officers also increased by almost 9%, from 2,903 in 2022 – already a significant increase from 1,787 in 2021 – to 3,243 in 2023.

Auto thefts – and thefts in general – also continued to rise, in part since a TikTok trend showing viewers how to steal certain cars went viral in 2021. Total theft of property totaled $634.9 million, with stolen vehicles accounting for nearly $238 million. The numbers were close in 2022, but 2022 was a dramatic increase from the previous year. In 2021, reported thefts totaled $422 million. Information from police departments and reports from this year suggest auto theft will likely remain at 2023 levels, if not surpass last year's numbers.

The number of arrests for drug offenses also increased for the first time in several years, by 18%, with the largest increase being seen in the under-18 age group.

The number of hate crimes also appears to have increased.

Overall, “Group A” crimes increased by about 10% compared to 2022.