Mayor Scanlon Highlights City of Buffalo Crime Reduction
2025 Crime Statistics Show Significant Declines in Homicides and Violent Crime
MAYOR CHRISTOPHER SCANLON
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon today announced historic reductions in crime across the City of Buffalo during a 2025 Public Safety and Crime Statistics Briefing, citing significant declines in homicides, violent crime, and property crime as evidence that the city’s prevention focused public safety strategy is delivering results.
Mayor Scanlon was joined by Buffalo Police Commissioner Alphonso Wright, Deputy Commissioner Patrick Overdorf, and Deputy Commissioner Joseph Fahey.
HISTORIC DECLINE IN HOMICIDES
In 2025, the City of Buffalo recorded 27 homicides year-to-date, representing a 29% decrease from 2024 and 51% below the five-year average. This decline places Buffalo on pace for its lowest homicide total since modern local record-keeping began.
The city also achieved several historic public safety benchmarks in 2025:
73 consecutive days without a reported homicide, from July 18 through September 29 — believed to be the longest stretch in approximately 40 years
Zero homicides during the entire month of August, a milestone that has not occurred in roughly four decades
BROAD-BASED CRIME REDUCTIONS
Beyond homicides, Buffalo has experienced reductions across multiple major crime categories in 2025:
Motor vehicle theft: down 26%
Overall property crime: down 12%
Robbery: down 10%
Burglary: down 6%
Violent crime overall: down 5%
Aggravated assault: down 3%
Overall, index crime is down 11% compared to 2024.
City of Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon said, “When I became Mayor in October 2024, I set a clear vision for public safety in Buffalo— one rooted in community policing, visibility, and crime prevention. The historic declines we’re seeing today, including the lowest homicide levels in decades, show that this approach is working.
By investing in foot patrols and strengthening partnerships, my administration is focused on preventing violence before it happens and ensuring every neighborhood is safer. I commend Commissioner Wright, his command staff, and the men and women of the Buffalo Police Department for their leadership, professionalism, and dedication to serving our city.”