Serious Offenses Plummet as Police Credit New Technology and Proactive Policing
Bensalem is starting the new year with significant momentum in public safety. According to the latest year-end report from the Bensalem Police Department, serious and violent crimes dropped by more than 30% throughout 2025, marking a major win for local law enforcement and the community.
Director of Public Safety William McVey released the figures this week, highlighting that the township has seen drastic reductions in some of the most concerning categories of crime, including a nearly 50% decrease in both robberies and burglaries compared to 2024.
The Details
The downward trend isn’t limited to violent offenses. Retail theft—an issue that has plagued many suburban shopping hubs—fell by 24% in the township. Director McVey credited much of this specific success to “Bensalem Secure,” a specialized program designed to strengthen the partnership between local businesses and the police department.
In addition to the drop in incidents, the department reported a high “clearance rate.” Bensalem officers solved 49% of all Part 1 crimes (serious offenses) in 2025. This rate is a key indicator of police efficiency, showing that nearly half of all major crimes reported resulted in an arrest or a formal resolution.
Looking ahead, the department plans to lean further into “enhanced technologies” to support officers on the street. While the Director did not specify every new tool in the 2025 message, the department has historically utilized license plate readers and advanced surveillance to stay ahead of criminal activity in the township.
Why It Matters to Bensalem
For residents, these statistics translate to a safer environment for daily life. A 50% reduction in burglaries means fewer families are dealing with the trauma of home invasions, while the dip in retail theft helps keep our local shopping centers, like the Neshaminy Mall and the Street Road business corridor, viable and safe for families.
The continued investment in “enhanced technologies” likely means residents will see more high-tech monitoring in public spaces. While these tools are credited with driving down crime, they also represent a commitment from the Mayor and Council to fund modern policing, which is a significant part of the township’s annual budget.
