HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) – City leaders were provided a closer look at crime rates across one city on the Peninsula.

Hampton Police Chief Jimmie Wideman says crime rates across Hampton have been consistent over the past three years, but there are some upticks in certain crimes.

City Council got to hear his update Wednesday about how effective police efforts have been to keep Hampton safe.

“Hampton is a safe community. Crime is happening between those who know each other but we don’t accept that,” Hampton City Manager Mary Bunting said.

Hampton’s 2025 YTD Offense Comparison shows that so far this year the city has had 12 homicides, an uptick from last year’s five, but a decrease from a high spike in 2023. Larcenies are also up, as one ABC store has had 105 incidents of shoplifting this year alone.

“For whatever reason, there’s just this new occurrence of residents deciding they don’t want to pay for their alcohol, and they go into the alcohol beverage control store, and they just take alcohol without any consideration of payment,” Wideman said.

Wideman said his team is working to hold those who commit any crime in Hampton accountable, especially acts of gun violence. So far, his team has recovered 39 firearms in 2025.

“Anybody that challenges the quality of life anywhere in this community will have our undivided attention and right now they have our undivided attention,” Wideman said.

He also addressed fatal accidents on West Mercury Boulevard after elderly and homeless lives were claimed by crashes there. They now have plans to increase help for those demographics.

“Provide free of cost, the reflective vests to increase visibility for their safety and for the safety and well-being of operators of motor vehicles,” Wideman said.

For a full look at the chief’s presentation, click here. For a full look of the council meeting, click here.