Fact check: What are the most common types of crimes committed in Washington D.C. in 2025?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available data, the most common types of crimes in Washington D.C. in 2025 are property crimes, with specific categories clearly identified. According to Metropolitan Police Department data, Theft (Other) leads with 7,434 incidents, followed by Theft from Auto with 3,886 incidents, and Motor Vehicle Theft with 2,996 incidents as of August 21, 2025 ^[1].

The data shows that property crimes significantly outnumber violent crimes in frequency. While violent crimes remain a concern, with nearly 1,600 violent crimes reported so far in 2025 compared to nearly 16,000 total crimes ^[2], the numbers demonstrate that theft-related offenses constitute the bulk of criminal activity in the District.

Crime trends in 2025 show improvement from previous years, with property crimes dropping roughly 19% and violent crime declining by about 17% after federal intervention in policing ^[3]. Homicides have fallen 32% in 2024 and another 12% in 2025, while carjackings dropped 37% in 2025 ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important contextual information about recent federal intervention in D.C. policing. The Trump administration took control of the police department, which has influenced crime statistics and enforcement patterns ^[3]. This federal takeover represents a significant shift in how crime is being addressed and measured in the District.

Data reliability concerns are notably absent from the question. Crime statistics expert Jeff Asher, co-founder of AH Datalytics, confirms that D.C.'s murder statistics are "very reliable" and match FBI reporting standards ^[5], providing confidence in the data's accuracy.

The question also omits the historical context of D.C.'s crime rates. Washington D.C. had the fourth-highest homicide rate in the country in 2024 at 27.3 per 100,000 residents ^[2], which provides important perspective on the severity of the crime situation despite recent improvements.

Political stakeholders benefit differently from how these statistics are presented. The White House emphasizes that "D.C. Crime Is Out of Control" ^[2], while other sources focus on declining trends, suggesting different political narratives around crime data interpretation.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself is neutral and factual, seeking specific information about crime types. However, the sources reveal potential bias in how crime data is being presented by different organizations.

The White House source appears to emphasize the severity of D.C.'s crime problem with language like "Crime Is Out of Control" ^[2], which could represent political messaging rather than objective analysis. This framing benefits those who support federal intervention in local policing.

Conversely, sources emphasizing crime reduction trends ^{[3] [4]} may benefit political figures who want to claim credit for improving public safety. The timing of these improvements coinciding with federal takeover creates an opportunity for political credit-claiming.

The absence of certain crime categories in some analyses could also represent selective reporting. While theft-related crimes are clearly documented ^[1], other sources mention various crimes like assault with dangerous weapons and robberies without providing comprehensive frequency data ^{[2] [3]}, potentially creating an incomplete picture of the crime landscape.