Crime rates in Nova Scotia showed a slight increase last year, despite a drop in crime severity both locally and nationally, as per a recent report by Statistics Canada. The crime rate, measuring the volume of crime per capita irrespective of severity, rose by one percent in Nova Scotia. With 6,147 incidents per 100,000 people in 2025, this is the highest rate recorded in the province since 2012.
In contrast to the national trend, where the crime rate decreased by two percent, Nova Scotia’s crime rate surpassed the national average of 5,585 incidents per 100,000 people. Notably, the surge in minor offenses like shoplifting and low-level assault contributed to the overall increase in the crime rate, according to Chris Giacomantonio, a criminologist and director of the Clairmont Centre for Community Safety Research at Dalhousie University.
Over the past decade, shoplifting under $5,000 in Nova Scotia saw an 860 percent increase, including a 23 percent uptick from 2024 to 2025. Giacomantonio attributes this rise to inflation and the escalating cost of living, leading to widespread financial struggles.
While Nova Scotia reported a lower crime rate compared to most provinces and territories, Giacomantonio expressed more concern about the provincial crime rate exceeding its levels from ten years ago. Despite outperforming the country in the crime severity index, the increasing crime rate remains a significant issue, indicating a need for continued attention to community safety.
Although minor crimes have increased, Nova Scotia witnessed a three percent decline in the crime severity index last year. This discrepancy is explained by a rise in minor offenses coupled with a decrease in major crimes, according to Giacomantonio. Both the crime rate and severity index are crucial when evaluating public safety, with serious harm often stemming from conflicts among acquaintances rather than random incidents.
The Nova Scotia RCMP refrained from speculating on the factors influencing crime rate fluctuations without a detailed analysis. The RCMP’s focus remains on collaborating with policing and community partners to ensure the safety of Nova Scotians.
In response to the overall increase in crime, the Department of Justice in Nova Scotia expressed concern and emphasized the importance of supporting community safety initiatives through enhanced policing. Giacomantonio highlighted that crime rates do not provide a definitive measure of safety and that minor fluctuations should not necessarily trigger alarm.
While the slight increase in the provincial crime rate is a signal, it does not offer a complete explanation. Factors like neighborhood demographics and socioeconomic status play a more significant role in an individual’s risk of encountering crime than the overall crime rate.