The Wheeling Police Department released its 2025 annual crime statistics, reporting continued low crime rates and a sustained decline over the past several years. Nearly all major crime categories decreased in 2025, further underscoring Wheeling’s reputation as a safe community in West Virginia.

Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger said the impressive data reflects both departmental efforts and community cooperation. 

“This was a banner year for the Wheeling Police Department. For the second year in a row— and in even greater ways—our officers, partners, and the broader community have stepped up to make Wheeling an even safer place. Throughout my 34-year career, I have never seen crime data of this significance. This is a true testament to our approach, the dedication of our officers and support staff, and the many programs and initiatives that have played a role. We will continue to work hard and remain a model law enforcement agency in the great state of West Virginia.”

Crime data is categorized into two main categories by the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) – “Group A” offenses, which are more felonies, property crimes, and crimes against persons, and “Group B” offenses, which involve more misdemeanors, nuisance/quality of life, and highway safety/traffic offenses.

 After a decade-low year in 2024, the department saw overall crime numbers decrease even further last year. Declines were recorded in several categories, including assaults, burglary, vandalism, drug offenses, larceny, robbery and motor vehicle thefts.

 Total calls for service remained largely unchanged from the previous year, with an annual total of 20,784—representing a decrease of less than 1%. Arrests declined by 14%, and both Group A and Group B offense categories also decreased by 14%. 

 Drug overdose cases saw a substantial decrease compared to the previous year. Overall overdoses dropped by 37%, with 114 cases reported, marking the lowest total in seven years. In 2024, there were 14 overdose-related deaths, representing a 46% reduction.

[Group A Crimes (Serious Crimes) Decreased 14%]

[Group B Crimes (Less Serious Crimes) Decreased 14%]
 

Major Crime Categories that decreased from the previous year:

• Assaults (Down 19%)                                
   2025 Total: 420              
   2024 Total: 517              
   
• Burglary (Down 24%)                                  
   2025 Total: 119              
   2024 Total: 157  
                              
• Drug Offenses (Down 4%)                      
   2025 Total: 269              
   2024 Total: 280    
            
• Larceny/Thefts (Down 15%)                  
   2025 Total: 330              
   2024 Total: 389        
                        
• Motor Vehicle Theft (Down 58%)        
   2025 Total: 14                
   2024 Total: 33            
       
• Vandalism (Down 12%)                            
   2025 Total: 142              
   2024 Total: 162          
      
• Robbery (Down 59%)                                  
   2025 Total: 7                    
  2024 Total: 17                 

          [Drug Overdoses Decreased 24% ]         
          [Overdose Deaths Decreased 36%]

Drug-related overdoses and deaths, together, continued a downward trend in 2025…reaching their lowest level in seven years. Overdose deaths were in the single digits, a major milestone since the all-time high of 28 deaths five years ago. Drug Overdoses also fell below the one-hundred mark – a first since 2016 and the lowest in a decade.
 

    
*Note: Overdose death numbers may change after annual statistics are released because of current pending cases with the state medical examiner’s office*

[Traffic Enforcement]
Vehicle crashes increased city-wide by 16%. No fatal crashes occurred on area roadways in 2025.DUI enforcement increased by 102% from the previous year. Traffic citations were down 22%.