New annual report shows Bellevue crime totals plunging from 7,828 incidents in 2024 to 5,698 in 2025 as data driven policing takes center stage

Bellevue, Washington – Bellevue saw a sharp decline in crime last year, according to the Bellevue Police Department’s newly released annual report for 2025. The numbers point to a marked shift compared with the previous year, reflecting both a drop in overall reported offenses and a substantial decrease in property-related crimes.

Police data show that total reported crimes fell by 27 percent in 2025. The city recorded 5,698 crimes over the course of the year, down from 7,828 in 2024. The reduction was even more pronounced in property crimes, which declined by 33 percent. Officers documented 4,412 property-related offenses in 2025, compared with 6,546 the year before.

Property crimes — which include robbery, theft, vandalism, burglary and similar offenses — have long made up a large share of reported incidents in Bellevue. That pattern held steady in 2025, even as the overall numbers dropped. Theft remained the most frequently reported category. Within that group, shoplifting, general theft and theft from motor vehicles ranked as the top three recurring issues.

Police leadership credited the decrease to a strategy built on detailed data analysis and targeted enforcement. The department’s Crime Analysis Unit compiled and reviewed incident trends throughout the year, providing officers with updated information that allowed them to focus their efforts where problems were emerging or persisting.

Chief Wendell Shirley described the department’s approach as guided by its P.I.E. philosophy — Prevention, Intervention and Enforcement. The model emphasizes stopping crime before it starts when possible, stepping in early when patterns develop, and taking enforcement action when necessary. According to the department, this framework shaped anti-crime strategies in 2025, particularly in the area of property offenses.

In addition to theft-related crimes, Bellevue Police directed special attention to other concerns identified through trend tracking. Reckless driving, street racing and retail theft were among the issues that received targeted emphasis during the year. By concentrating patrols and enforcement in areas where these activities were occurring, the department aimed to disrupt patterns before they escalated.

Chief Shirley said the progress reflected more than police work alone. He pointed to cooperation between officers, residents and local businesses as a key factor behind the improved numbers. He noted that Bellevue remains a safe place to live, work and visit because of the department’s commitment and its partnerships across the community.

Looking ahead, Shirley said that collaboration will continue into 2026. The department plans to keep listening to public concerns — including calls for stronger traffic enforcement — while maintaining accountability for those who break the law.

The full breakdown of crime statistics and additional details about enforcement efforts are available through the department’s Bellevue Beat Blog. For city leaders and residents alike, the latest report offers measurable evidence of change — a year in which crime moved downward and focused policing strategies appeared to make a tangible impact.