Kamloops no longer holds the title of Canada’s highest crime rate, according to new data released by Statistics Canada — though the city still ranks among the highest in the country. The shift marks a notable improvement from 2023 and mirrors broader regional and national declines in crime severity.
In 2024, Kamloops reported 10,546 criminal incidents per 100,000 people, a 19% decrease from the previous year’s 13,116. The city’s Crime Severity Index (CSI) — which weighs both the volume and seriousness of crimes — also dropped 21%, from 165.3 to 129.9. While that still ranks Kamloops second in Canada for crime severity, it represents significant progress.
The city now sits behind Chilliwack, B.C., which tops both the crime rate and CSI rankings this year. Chilliwack reported 11,352 incidents per 100,000 and a CSI of 141.7. Red Deer, Alberta, narrowly edged Kamloops for the second-highest crime rate at 10,650.
Kelowna: Improvements and Complexity Behind the Numbers
Meanwhile, Kelowna — which led the nation in crime rates in 2021 and 2022 — has also shown steady improvement. Its crime rate dropped to 8,922 incidents per 100,000, down 5% from the year before. The city’s CSI decreased to 108.8, a 9% drop from 118.6 in 2023.
In a statement released Tuesday, Kelowna RCMP noted that while the Kelowna Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) now ranks fifth in the country — up from seventh in 2023 — the overall volume of crime has decreased substantially. The CMA experienced an 8.78% reduction in total crime, including a 1.96% decrease in violent crime and an 11.6% drop in non-violent crime.
“This data tells a more complex story,” said Inspector Chris Goebel, Acting Officer in Charge. “While our CSI ranking has changed, the actual number of reported crimes has gone down… We remain committed to targeted enforcement, proactive engagement, prevention, and building trust with the community as we work together to enhance public safety.”
Kelowna RCMP highlighted a range of ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing crime, including specialized units targeting repeat offenders, youth outreach programs, and partnerships with social services and health agencies. Goebel emphasized that the detachment’s strategy is rooted in prevention, intelligence, and collaboration.
Kamloops Still Grappling with Cynicism Around Crime Reporting
Despite Kamloops’ improving statistics, a persistent issue remains: many residents and businesses feel disillusioned when it comes to reporting crime. It is something that has been going on for some time.
“There’s a growing sense of frustration,” said Howie Reimer, Executive Director of the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association said back in 2023. “People are getting to the point where they’re saying, ‘You know what, I’m not even going to call because chances are they’re not going to show,’ or ‘It’s too minor.’”
His message was echoed by Jeremy Heighton, Executive Director of the North Shore Business Improvement Association, who also urged residents and businesses not to give in to cynicism, despite real concerns over response times and visible enforcement.
Provincial and National Context
British Columbia’s overall crime rate dropped by 7% in 2024, with the provincial CSI declining by 11% to 93.0. These improvements follow three consecutive years of national increases.
Across Canada, Statistics Canada reported a 4% decrease in both the crime rate and the national CSI. The decline was largely driven by non-violent offences, which dropped 6% in 2024 after a 9% rise between 2021 and 2023.
Among the largest contributors to the drop were non-violent crimes such as breaking and entering (down 11%), child pornography (down 15%), vehicle theft (down 17%), petty theft (down 9%), and mischief (down 6%).
Violent crime declined by a smaller margin — just 1% nationwide.
Looking Ahead
While the numbers indicate measurable progress in cities like Kamloops and Kelowna, Statistics Canada cautions that the Crime Severity Index is not a complete measure of public safety. It does not account for unreported crimes or the public’s perception of safety, both of which continue to be challenges in many communities.
