One day the Valley feels safer. Next, the news reports another spike in crime. But the truth lies somewhere in between. Crime in the San Fernando Valley isn’t simply rising or falling. It’s a story far more complicated than the headlines suggest.
Although some neighborhoods in the San Fernando Valley experience lower crime density, rates vary widely across the region and have shown signs of increased crime in recent years.
Law Enforcement has reported that robberies in the San Fernando Valley increased by 9.5% in 2025. Additionally, Police Chief Dominic Choi reported a rise in violent crimes with 73 homicides in 2025 compared to the 57 in 2024.
Choi goes on to explain how different kinds of robberies have increased. Firearm robberies are up 2.9% percent, gang-related robberies are up 5.3% percent, and motor and vehicle theft was 4.6% percent.
A trend of shoplifting and violent crime has also spiked at local malls. According to NRF,
There has been a 13% percent increase in shoplifting from 2023 to 2024, as well as a 17% percent increase in violent incidents, indicating that violent crimes in malls are becoming more dangerous and popular every year.
A known violent incident that caused much turmoil in the San Fernando Valley was the stabbing of two teenagers by robbery suspects at the Westfield Topanga Mall. NBC says that the robbers tried stealing the teens’ necklaces, and when the teens tried to get their jewelry back, they were stabbed.
Even with all of the spikes of crime in the San Fernando Valley, there has also been a decline in some crime categories. been many categories of crime that have decreased in 2025. ABC reports that Karen Bass said the homicide rate has dropped 20% percent, which is on track for Los Angeles’ lowest homicide rate in 60 years. Additionally, shooting rates have dropped by 19 percent. ABC mentioned that crimes like rape and aggravated assault dropped compared to 2023.
Why is crime generally increasing in the valley? According to KTLA, one of the factors of increased crime in the valley is from burglaries. tourism crews, who frequently originate in South America. This was identified by law enforcement as a major factor in a surge in home burglaries in affluent neighborhoods like Encino, Studio City, and Sherman Oaks. These groups are using high-tech methods to target items like jewelry, cash, and designer handbags.
Another reason for the increase in crime is police staffing shortages. Fox News reports that for the first time since the 90’s, there are fewer than 9000 officers in the LAPD.
Overall, crime in the San Fernando Valley cannot be defined by a single trend. While increases in robberies, shoplifting, and certain violent crimes have raised concerns across the region, declines in homicides, shootings, and other serious offences show that progress is also being made. Factors such as organized burglary crews and ongoing police staffing shortages explain why some crimes continue to rise despite improvements in others. These mixed patterns highlight the need for continued law enforcement support, community awareness, and long-term solutions to ensure safety and stability throughout the valley.
