Pine Bluff, Arkansas – The Pine Bluff Police Department has released its monthly crime statistics for December 2025, showing an overall 7 percent decrease in reported crimes compared to the same month last year. While some categories showed slight increases, notable reductions in residential burglaries and commercial break-ins helped drive the overall decline.
Violent and Property Crimes Show Mixed Results
According to the report, a total of 224 crimes were reported in December 2025, compared to 240 in December 2024, reflecting a year-over-year drop of 16 incidents. Some areas of violent crime rose slightly, while property crimes generally declined.
There was one homicide recorded in both December 2024 and December 2025. The number of rape cases increased, with five reports in 2025 compared to zero the previous year. Aggravated assaults also increased, from 26 incidents in December 2024 to 30 in 2025. Similarly, robberies doubled—from one to two reported cases.
Despite these increases in violent offenses, simple assaults saw a slight drop, falling from 74 to 73 year-over-year.
Property Crimes and Burglaries Decline Significantly
December 2025 saw a major improvement in burglary-related incidents. Commercial burglaries were cut in half, dropping from eight to four. Even more significantly, residential burglaries declined by over 75 percent, going from 26 in 2024 to just six in 2025. Theft reports remained nearly unchanged, with 89 cases in 2025 compared to 90 in the previous year, and vehicle thefts stayed consistent at 14 in both years.
In terms of public engagement, calls for service totaled 2,312 throughout December 2025, and traffic stops were recorded at 563.
Community Efforts and Policing Strategies Making a Difference
While the overall decrease in crime is promising, Pine Bluff officials and residents are paying close attention to the rise in certain violent crimes. Still, the steep drop in burglaries suggests increased community awareness, improved security measures, and targeted policing strategies may be making a measurable difference.
The Pine Bluff Police Department has not yet released a statement on the December data, but residents and city leaders are expected to review the numbers in upcoming meetings.
As the city enters 2026, the December report reflects a complex but hopeful picture—with some challenges still ahead, but clear evidence that efforts to reduce crime are showing results.
