Crime continued to increase in Arlington last year, according to police department stats, with notable upticks in reported assaults and shoplifting incidents.
The overall number of more serious “Group A” offenses increased 11% between 2023 and 2024, according to the Arlington County Police Department’s annual report released today (Tuesday).
Property crimes rose by around 12%, crimes against people — like assault — increased 9% and crimes against society — including drug offenses — increased by about 1%.
Crime rates have been rising for several years in Arlington, although they appear to have begun leveling out in the first few months of this year.
Driving last year’s increase in property crimes was a jump in reported larcenies and thefts, especially shoplifting incidents — which rose from 1,060 in 2023 to 1,863 in 2024. The report notes that multiple factors probably played a role.
“This increase likely reflects both an increase in offenses as well as better reporting by affected businesses through the online reporting system,” it says.
Aggravated assaults also jumped 19% from 337 to 400, while simple assaults rose 10% from 1,433 to 1,583.
Among less major offenses, incidents of disorderly conduct rose from 535 in 2023 to 632.
Crime has increased every year for the past several years in Arlington. Group A offenses have surged by 45% since 2020, raising alarm bells among the police department’s rank and file.
Preliminary data for 2025 suggests that the trend may be tapering off, however. In the first five months of this year, Arlington’s overall number of offenses was about the same as in 2024, at 5,624 compared to 5,576, according to the county’s online data hub. Some crimes, notably vehicle thefts, are down significantly.
In addition to an overall rise in crime, the annual police report noted an increase in the number of assaults on police officers.
Police Chief Andy Penn described one instance in May 2024 where a suspect reportedly shoved an officer into an unoccupied vehicle and struck him several times.
“While the officer’s injuries were serious and lasting, they were fortunately not life-threatening but did require hospitalization,” he said.
In another instance in August 2024, a fleeing theft suspect allegedly grabbed an officer’s gun and fired it before the officer regained control of the weapon.
Finally, Penn highlighted an instance in December where a suspect physically struggled with officers while brandishing a knife. Police fatally shot the man.
“We are exceptionally fortunate to have professional members who work each day to make a difference in the lives of those they serve while providing the highest quality law enforcement services,” Penn wrote. “I continue to be incredibly proud of the work they perform each day and it is my honor to work alongside them.”
ACPD, like many police departments across the country, has been facing a significant staffing shortage for the past several years. However, new recruitment efforts have begun to yield some results.
Applications to ACPD roles increased 81% in 2024, and the number of applicants hired increased 68%, according to the annual report.
The report notes that the department has gotten younger as more experienced officers have left or retired and younger recruits are hired to replace them.
“ACPD has become a young department with 34% of our sworn officers having less than five years of experience,” the report says. “Additionally, over 85% of our supervisors have been promoted to their current leadership roles since Chief Penn’s appointment in 2021. As a young department, it’s important for ACPD to identify and plan for opportunities for additional officer development and growth.”
