OVERALL crime in Westminster is down, but violent crime has risen (Shutterstock).
The good news is crime in Westminster for the first quarter of 2026 is down by over 13 percent, compared to the first quarter of 2025.
The not-quite-as good news is that while property crime has declined by 19.35 percent, violent crime has risen by 35.53 percent.
According to the Westminster Police Department, property crime has fallen in three categories (burglary, larceny and vehicle theft and arson has risen by 50 percent (four incidents to six).
Violent crime has risen in some categories and fallen in others. Homicide declined from one incident in first quarter 2025 to none in 2026. Rape declined from nine reported incidents to seven.
However, robbery has risen by 80 percent (15 to 27) and aggravated assault by 35.29 percent (51 to 69).
According to Police Chief Darin Lenyi, there’s been an increase in bikes and jewelry being stolen by force. “The popularity of electric bikes has made them a target of crime.”
The rise in aggravated assault is connected to an increase in retail stores and assaults among the “homeless/unhoused population.”
