WILMINGTON, DE — Wilmington’s 2024 Year-End Crime Report is in, and the results are a mix of progress and persistent challenges. Mayor Mike Purzycki and Police Chief Wilfredo Campos unveiled the report, showcasing a 21% drop in overall Part 1 crimes compared to 2023, marking a significant milestone in the city’s fight against crime. While this includes a notable decline in shootings, an increase in murders brings a sobering reminder of the work still left to do.
Encouraging Numbers on Violent Crime
Wilmington tallied 81 shooting incidents in 2024, down from 91 in the previous year. This figure represents the third lowest number of shootings in 20 years, surpassed only by 72 incidents in 2018 and 76 in 2005. This sustained reduction in shootings reflects the city’s ongoing efforts to curb violence, particularly group-related incidents. Police data reveal a consistent decrease in group violence, which accounted for just 23% of shooting and murder incidents in 2024…