The Toronto Police Service has made significant strides in reducing crime in the city, with a notable decrease in violent offenses in 2025. According to the police chief's annual report, total crime rates in the city saw a broad decline, with some crimes experiencing steep falls.
One area of notable improvement is in homicides, which fell by 47.1% from 85 to 45. Auto thefts also dropped sharply, down 23.9% from 9,748 to 7,421, continuing the downward trend seen in 2024. Additionally, hate crimes decreased by 46.7%, from 443 to 236, following two years of increases.
However, not all crimes experienced a decrease. Attempted murder saw a 19.5% increase from 41 to 49, and assaults, which are the most common violent crime in Toronto, edged down by only 2.9%. Frauds fell by 4.2% from 17,506 to 16,744, but the total remains elevated from 2023.
The Toronto Police Service is also investing in new technologies, including drones, to aid in investigations and enforcement. The police's air support unit, which includes drones and helicopters, was consolidated in 2025 and saw significant use, with 2,365 drone flights in 2025 alone.
Police chief Myron Demkiw emphasized the importance of the data used in policing and the need for relentless efforts to keep the community safe. He noted that while some positive trends, such as decreases in shootings and slayings, have extended into 2026, there is still much work to be done.
The Toronto Police Service has also made efforts to increase officer visibility in the city, particularly in key neighborhoods and on the TTC. Demkiw emphasized that the presence of officers matters and that they are "relentless in their efforts."
