Montreal gun crime, attempted murders drop sharply; sexual assaults rise in 2025

Gun crime in Montreal fell sharply in 2025, with attempted murders down 25 percent and crimes involving firearms down 15.3 percent from the previous year, according to the Montreal police annual report released Wednesday.

Attempted murders dropped to 63 cases in 2025 from 84 in 2024. Motor vehicle thefts also declined significantly — down 24.3 percent to 6,667 vehicles, the lowest figure since 2021. Arson fell 8.8 percent for the second straight year, and fraud dropped 5.6 percent. Overall, crimes against property fell 4.2 percent.

But the report carries a counterbalance. Sexual assaults increased 5.7 percent in 2025, driven by a rise in sexual assault and sexual contact offences. Break-ins rose 5.8 percent, though police note the total remains below pre-pandemic levels. Crimes against people dropped only 0.4 percent overall, and both categories remain significantly higher than five-year averages — a baseline skewed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the SPVM noted.

Homicides held steady at 31 cases in both 2025 and 2024. Robberies decreased 1.1 percent. Domestic violence cases totalled just over 7,000.

Montreal police said in a statement that "the 2025 results reflect the daily commitment of all SPVM teams and the collaboration of community and institutional partners." On sexual assault specifically, the force flagged "the need to maintain prevention efforts and support for victims of sexual assault."

Gun crimes are now down 22.6 percent from the five-year average, marking progress on one of the city's most visible safety concerns. Firearm discharges decreased 16.5 percent in 2025.