WILMINGTON, DE — Wilmington closed 2025 with its sharpest drop in violent crime in years, posting the lowest number of shooting incidents since 2003 and continuing a multiyear downward trend that city leaders say reflects sustained changes in policing and community partnerships.
Mayor John Carney and Police Chief Wilfredo Campos on Monday released the Wilmington Police Department’s 2025 Year-End Report, which shows murders fell 20 percent from 2024 while shooting incidents dropped 21 percent. The city recorded 64 shooting incidents for the year, a milestone officials said had not been reached in more than two decades. Shooting victims declined 17 percent.
“Maintaining public safety is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of government,” said Carney, who credited police leadership and officers for driving the reductions. He said the data indicate the city is moving in the right direction and signaled an intent to build on the progress in the years ahead.
Beyond gun violence, the report shows broad declines across major crime categories. Overall Part 1 crimes — including murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, felony theft, and auto theft — fell 8 percent from 2024 and were down 31 percent compared with 2017. Misdemeanor thefts such as package thefts and thefts from vehicles dropped 14 percent year over year and were down 52 percent from 2017 levels.
Campos said the results stem from consistent implementation of crime reduction strategies and daily work by officers, along with coordination across agencies. He pointed to partnerships with local, state, and federal authorities, including the Delaware Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as well as cooperation from residents.
“These numbers are no accident,” Campos said. “They are the result of continued focus, proven strategies, and strong relationships with the community.”
Investigators also reported continued declines in violence tied to group activity. Of all shooting incidents and murders in 2025, 12 percent were believed to be related to group violence, while 20 percent were connected to narcotics or robberies. Fourteen percent were classified as isolated incidents, including domestic-related cases and altercations. The motive for the remaining 54 percent remains under investigation.
The year-end report also outlines operational highlights from 2025, including continued operation of the department’s Partners in Care mental health co-responder program, along with updates on recruitment, divisional activity, and objectives for 2026.
Campos said the report is intended to give residents a full picture of the department’s work beyond crime statistics. He encouraged the public to review the findings and learn more about ongoing efforts to strengthen safety in Delaware’s largest city.
The full 2025 Year-End Report, including the CompStat data, is available at https://www.wilmingtonde.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/13762.
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