Atlanta, Georgia – Atlanta is reporting a noticeable drop in crime, with vehicle thefts, robberies and burglaries all declining by double digits. The latest figures show that overall crime across the city has fallen nearly 13% compared with the same period last year, offering encouraging news for residents and local officials.
But the numbers were only part of the story at a recent gathering in Atlanta. City leaders also took time to recognize the police officers whose work is helping support public safety efforts across the community.
Mayor Andre Dickens presented the latest crime figures in late September during Crime is Toast, an annual event organized by the Atlanta Police Foundation. The gathering brings together law enforcement personnel and community partners to recognize outstanding officers and highlight the cooperation behind the city’s public safety initiatives.
According to the figures shared by the mayor, vehicle thefts have dropped 20% so far in 2026, while robberies have decreased 19%. Burglaries are down 17%, contributing to the nearly 13% overall decline in citywide crime.
The improvements extend beyond property crimes. Dickens also pointed to a substantial reduction in homicides, reporting that the city’s homicide numbers declined 43% between the time he took office and the end of 2025.
He indicated that Atlanta was on course to record another year-over-year decrease in homicides in 2026, although the final numbers will not be available until the year ends.
Despite the encouraging figures, the mayor emphasized that the city cannot lose sight of the lives affected by violent crime.
“To be clear, any Atlanta homicide is one too many,” Dickens said. “But we also need to recognize progress when we see it.”
The annual Crime is Toast breakfast also placed individual police officers in the spotlight, recognizing their professional contributions and service to Atlanta residents.
Jack Carter received the Officer of the Year award, while DeShure Raston was recognized as Investigator of the Year. Adrian Brinn received the Department Commendation, another distinction presented during the gathering.
The event also recognized two individuals whose contributions helped shape the city’s approach to public safety partnerships more than two decades ago.
Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Sam Pettway, founder and chairman of Boardwalk Consulting, were honored with the Legacy Champion Award. Both played important roles in establishing the partnership that eventually developed into the Atlanta Police Foundation.
That partnership continues to play a role in the city’s public safety strategy today.
Atlanta officials, the Atlanta Police Department and the Atlanta Police Foundation remain focused on recruiting and retaining officers, expanding training opportunities, improving technology and providing resources to support police operations.
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The latest figures suggest Atlanta is making measurable progress in several major crime categories. Still, the city’s work is far from finished.
With another year-over-year homicide decline potentially ahead, officials are continuing efforts to build on those improvements while recognizing the officers and partnerships involved in making Atlanta safer.
