Overall crime, vehicle thefts trending down in Bellevue

Published July 31 2024

The Bellevue Police Department's Motor Theft Task Force and steering wheel lock giveaways have helped put the brakes on motor vehicle thefts across Bellevue this year, according to mid-year crime statistics.

Overall crime in Bellevue decreased by 4%, from 4,016 crimes in the first half of 2023 to 3,862 in 2024. Compared to the city's five-year average, overall crimes here were down 5% in the first six months of 2024.

"Our officers and professional staff take great pride in our mission to keep Bellevue a safe place to work, live and visit," Police Chief Wendell Shirley said. "We also hold accountable those who choose to jeopardize that environment. The department's mid-year analysis confirms that our mission is not only working but the effort continues to build and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships between officers and the community."

Bellevue Police's Crime Analysis Unit researched crime data from January to June 2024 and compared it with data from the same time frame in 2023. The analysis helps the department identify where crime prevention strategies are working and where additional focus may be required.

Data Categories

All crimes against property (which include robbery, burglary, theft, fraud and vandalism) in Bellevue, including motor vehicle theft, are on a steady decrease since January. When compared with the same time frame in 2023, there has been a 3% drop in property crimes, from 3,368 to 3,270. The five-year average for this six-month period is 3,392.

Property crime makes up most of the crime reported in Bellevue. In the first half of 2023, catalytic converter thefts were the primary driver of property crime. However, in the later part of 2023 and continuing into 2024, these numbers were declining and motor vehicle thefts were on the rise - particularly targeting Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Since the department initiated a number of motor vehicle theft initiatives in the community early this year, these crimes have been on the decline.

There has been a 14% decrease in crimes against people (which include assault, violation of protection orders, rape and murder) compared with 2023 - down from 563 to 487. The five-year average for the first half of the year is 486 crimes.

Finally, crimes against society (which include drug violations, weapons violations, prostitution, and pornography) in the city of Bellevue increased by 25% - up from 85 crimes in 2023 to 106 in 2024. Importantly, the data reflects a change in the way drug crimes are reported due to recently enacted state legislation rather than a true increase in the actual rate of crime. Certain drug crimes that may not have been reported at all in 2023 are now required to be reported in 2024 as a result of Senate Bill 5536.

Data Transparency

The Bellevue Police monitor all forms of crime across Bellevue and share this information with the community on the department's data transparency website, which shows crime trends, incidents, arrests and traffic citations on a series of dashboards. A tracker also catalogs crimes against people, property and society across Bellevue.

Crime occurs in every community, but the Bellevue Police Department is committed to employing strategies to maintain Bellevue as a safe and welcoming community for everyone. Bellevue Police urges any community member or visitor to contact law enforcement if they see something suspicious or feel like their safety or the community's well-being may be at risk.