(WFRV) – Authorities in one Wisconsin city say they have seen a drop in all violent crimes across the board in 2025, including shots fired incidents, burglaries, and auto thefts.
According to a release from the Madison Police Department, the city of Madison has seen a significant drop in violent and property crimes as police continue to focus on community outreach and data-driven patrol strategies.
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Madison Police Chief John Patterson says this approach has led to meaningful partnerships for the police department with public health departments, community organizations, mental health professionals, and the Madison Metropolitan School District.
By using incident-related data, we can identify crime trends and direct resources more effectively.
Madison Police Chief John Patterson
The following is the breakdown of the data regarding crimes in the City of Madison for 2025:
- Shots fired
- 2025 saw Madison police respond to 117 reports of shots fired.
- 10.7% decrease from 2024
- Over 24% decrease from the three-year average
- 323 casings recovered during these incidents
- 22.9% decrease from 2024
- Homicides
- Madison police investigated 5 homicides in 2025 compared to 7 in 2024.
- Burglaries
- 406 burglaries reported in 2025
- Over 16% decrease from 2024
- 42% decrease from the three-year average
- Robberies
- 106 reported robberies in 2025
- 2% decrease from 2024
- Over 14% decrease from the three-year average
- Stolen vehicles
- 284 vehicles stolen in 2025
- Nearly 24% decrease from 2024
- 50% decrease from the three-year average
- (2026 is currently seeing a spike in vehicle thefts, with most incidents taking place on the east and north sides of the city.)
- Theft from vehicles
- 570 theft from vehicle incidents in 2025
- More than 23% decrease from 2024
- 19.3% decrease from the three-year average
- Opiate/Opioid overdoses
- 187 known opiate/opioid overdoses reported in 2025
- More than 16% decrease from 2024
- Nearly 28% decrease from the three-year average
- 19 suspected opiate/opioid overdose deaths in 2025
- Nearly 39% decrease from 2024
Officials with the Madison Police Department say this downward trend in violent crime is the result of the aforementioned tighter collaboration with prevention partners. Officers are said to connect monthly with one of those partners, the Public Health Madison and Dane County’s Violence Prevent Unit.
Community safety requires trust, collaboration and shared responsibility. Our partnership with Madison Police centers on supporting the people most impacted by violence. This happens not just through response, but also through prevention, mediation, and connection to housing, employment and behavioral health resources. Together, we are investing in long-term safety and stability.
Aurielle Smith, Director of Community Initiatives at Public Health Madison & Dane County
No other information is available at this time.
