Overall crime in Downtown Silver Spring has decreased since 2024 by eight percent, according to a report on 2025 by the Montgomery County Police Department.
Assaults involving guns dropped 53%, carjackings decreased by 35%. Theft of auto parts were reduced by 34% and auto theft decreased by 16%. Robbery was down 9.6% and the discharge of weapons fell by 18%.
Homicides remained constant. There were nine in both 2024 and 2025. Crimes against property such as robberies, burglaries and auto theft were down 13%.
Beyond the Statistics
Jacob Newman, Director of the Silver Spring Regional Office, said he can tell crime is falling, because he is hearing fewer complaints. “I think people aren’t talking as much. That fact that it’s pretty quiet is good news.”
He credited the police policy of coordinating efforts to focus in on particular crimes. Individual initiatives to battle car rallies and retail theft have helped, he said.
“We are happy about it. It’s not a celebration that we reached the promised land. There is still work to be done,” Newman said.
Better for Business
“We have known for a while that things were trending down,” said Stephanie Helsing, president and CEO of the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce.
She credited the decrease in crime to police officers’ “proactive policies” and their partnerships with the chamber and business owners.
The chamber meets monthly with various groups, including police, to review security and understand what is needed.”We are 100% behind our MCPD officers. We know we are moving in the right direction,” Hesling said.
She pointed to the monthly Chamber Coffee and Cards events, in which officers are treated to coffee and breakfast while business owners exchange business cards and both sides mingle. This has resulted in “increasing people’s comfort in seeing police presence,” according to Hesling.
The next event is March 26 at Cafe K on Spring Street.
The next step is to convince more shoppers to return to Downtown Silver Spring, she said.
Police Work Pays Off
Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada said the progress reflects the department’s commitment to proactive policing and strong partnerships across the community.
“These results reflect the dedication of our officers and the strong partnerships we have with businesses, residents and community organizations,” said Yamada. “Public safety is a shared effort, and we will continue working with our community and business partners to keep Silver Spring safe.”
According to police, the strategy has included increased patrols and proactive enforcement throughout the central business district. Officers have also been working closely with members of the unhoused community. They help connect individuals with resources through partnerships with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and other government agencies.
Prevention Matters
A holiday retail task force focused on preventing theft in Downtown Silver Spring’s shopping areas during the holidays was effective, according to Third District Commander Jason Cokinos. The initiative brought together MCPD officers, loss prevention personnel and local businesses, including Ellsworth Place, to address retail theft during the busy holiday season.
“Crime can’t be eliminated entirely, but our goal is always to reduce crime wherever and whenever we can,” said Cokinos. “That means being proactive, using data to focus our resources where they’re needed most and working closely with our business community and our partners in government. When we work together, we can make a real difference.”
The county police also strengthened coordination with the Metro Transit Police Department around transit stations and surrounding areas to address crime trends and enhance safety for residents and commuters.
