Crime rates in Nova Scotia saw a slight increase last year, despite a decline in crime severity both locally and nationally, as reported by Statistics Canada in July. The crime rate, measuring the amount of crime per capita regardless of severity, rose by one per cent in Nova Scotia. This brought the rate to 6,147 incidents per 100,000 people in 2025, the highest since 2012. Conversely, the national crime rate decreased by two per cent. Nova Scotia’s crime rate surpassed the national rate of 5,585 incidents per 100,000 people.
The escalation in minor offenses such as shoplifting and low-level assault played a significant role in the uptick in crime rate, according to Chris Giacomantonio, a criminologist and director of the Clairmont Centre for Community Safety Research at Dalhousie University. Notably, shoplifting under $5,000 surged by approximately 860 per cent over the past decade, with a 23 per cent increase from 2024 to 2025. Giacomantonio attributed this rise to inflation and the elevated cost of living, leading to increased financial struggles.
Although Nova Scotia reported a lower crime rate compared to many other provinces and territories, Giacomantonio expressed more concern about the provincial crime rate being higher than it was ten years ago. He emphasized the importance of addressing the increase irrespective of how Nova Scotia compares to other regions.
While the crime rate increased, Nova Scotia witnessed a three per cent drop in its crime severity index last year, reflecting a decrease in the seriousness of police-reported crimes relative to the population. Giacomantonio explained that the rise in minor crimes and decline in major crimes contributed to this discrepancy. He highlighted the significance of both the crime rate and crime severity index in discussions about public safety, emphasizing that the perception of safety often relates to the frequency of less severe crimes in daily life.
The Nova Scotia RCMP refrained from speculating on the factors influencing changes in the crime rate without a thorough analysis. The RCMP’s focus remains on collaborating with policing and community partners to enhance public safety in Nova Scotia.
In response to the overall increase in crime, the Department of Justice emphasized the need for a more robust and community-driven public safety system in Nova Scotia. Giacomantonio stressed that a slight rise in the crime rate does not automatically indicate a safety concern, as individual experiences of crime are influenced by various factors beyond the crime rate itself.
Despite the decline in crime severity, there has been a notable increase in violent incidents in Nova Scotia, rising by 34 per cent since 2016. Giacomantonio underscored the importance of community-based interventions in addressing such issues, emphasizing the need for sustained investments in these approaches.
In conclusion, while a slight increase in crime is a cause for concern, it serves as a signal rather than a definitive explanation of safety levels. Giacomantonio highlighted that personal risk of experiencing a crime is often more closely tied to individual circumstances rather than the overall crime rate.
