(The Center Square) — Virginia State Police released its annual Crime in Virginia report, revealing an overall increase in violent crime in 2023 and some troubling trends that could worsen in 2024.
In 2023, 20,549 violent crimes were reported in the commonwealth, a near 10% increase over 2022—though the population also grew by about 10% during that time.
The number of assaults on officers also rose by nearly 9%, increasing from 2,903 in 2022 – which was already a significant increase from 1,787 in 2021 – to 3,243 in 2023.
Auto theft – and theft in general – continued to rise, as well, in part since a TikTok trend showing viewers how to steal certain cars went viral in 2021. The total theft of property was $634.9 million, with stolen vehicles accounting for nearly $238 million. Numbers were close in 2022, but 2022 was a dramatic increase over the previous year. In 2021, total reported theft amounted to $422 million. Information from police departments and reports so far this year indicate that auto theft will likely stay on pace with 2023, if not exceed last year’s numbers.
Drug arrests also increased for the first time in several years by 18%, with the greatest increase in the under 18 age group.
There also appears to have been an increase in hate crimes.
Overall, “Group A” offenses rose by about 10% over 2022.