The Wheeling Police Department released its 2024 annual crime statistics today, highlighting one of the lowest crime rates in the past decade. Nearly all major crime categories, along with overall calls for service, drug overdoses, and even traffic crashes declined over the past year, reinforcing Wheeling's status as a safe city in West Virginia.

Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger said he is beyond pleased with this past year’s report. “It is remarkable when a system is established to monitor, take ownership of, and action to prevent and solve crime. Our geographic policing model, dedicated civilian support staff, and engaged community members all play a vital role in making this a successful year. Most importantly, I commend the men and women of WPD, who wear the uniform each day, offering selfless service and commitment to the community they have vowed to protect.”

Over the next year, the Chief hopes the numbers continue a downward trend. “I remain so proud of the men and women of the Wheeling Police Department. They inspire me each day. With that in mind, our goal is to double down on efforts so we can continue to see the results reflected in this past year’s reduced crime rates.”

Crime data is categorized into two main categories by the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) – “Group A” offenses, which are more felonies, property crimes and crimes against persons, and “Group B” offenses, which involve more misdemeanors, nuisance/quality of life and highway safety/traffic offenses.

After observing an initial decline in several "Group A" offenses in 2023, most categories continued to decrease further last year. These included assaults, burglary, vandalism, drug offenses, motor vehicle theft, and vandalism. 2024 was the first year in recent memory the department had no homicide investigations. A few categories’ numbers increased last year but overall are not concerning. Weapon offenses increased by 3 cases and robbery increased by 5 cases. Arrests remained mostly unchanged and the overall "Group B" category decreased by 7%.

Total calls for service were reduced by 4%, with the annual total reaching 20,858—a drop of over 6,000 calls compared to a decade ago. This reduction is linked to ongoing efforts in officer-initiated activities, nightly foot patrols, community policing, and various selective enforcement operations.

Drug overdose cases saw a substantial decrease compared to the previous year. Overall, overdoses dropped by 37%, with a total of 114 reported — marking the lowest number in seven years. In 2024, there were 14 overdose-related deaths, a 46% total reduction, following a notable increase the year before. These deaths are largely attributed to the continued prevalence of fentanyl, often mixed with other substances like xylazine and methamphetamine.

[Group A Crimes] (Serious Crimes) DECREASED 11%
Crime Categories that decreased from the previous year:

• Assaults (Down 12%)                       
  2024 Total: 517               2023 Total: 588
• Burglary (Down 4%)                         
  2024 Total: 157               2023 Total: 163              
• Drug Offenses (Down 20%)             
  2024 Total: 280               2023 Total: 342
• Larceny/Thefts (Down 15%)            
  2024 Total: 389               2023 Total: 456              
• Motor Vehicle Theft (Down 13%)     
  2024 Total: 33                 2023 Total: 38
• Vandalism (Down 4 cases)              
  2024 Total: 162               2023 Total: 166
  
  Crime Categories that increased from the previous year:
• Robbery (Up 5 cases)                     
  2024 Total: 17                 2023 Total: 12
• Weapon Offenses (Up 3 cases)      
  2024 Total: 22                 2023 Total: 19
   
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[Group B Crimes] (less serious crimes) DECREASED 7%

[Traffic Enforcement]

With no major road construction or significant weather-related incidents, crashes, and traffic citations decreased. The department did respond and investigate two fatal crashes in 2024.

[Drug Overdoses] DECREASED 37%           
[Overdose Deaths] DECREASED 46%

Drug-related overdoses are at their lowest level in seven years – a sign that the drug epidemic is perhaps slowing in the area. Overdose deaths also were cut in half from the previous year. The numbers are turning in a positive direction, thanks to the hard work of all officers, the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, the new WPD Crisis Response Unit, which works with community partners on treatment, and the availability of Narcan.

*Note: Overdose death numbers can change after annual statistics are released because of current pending cases with the state medical examiner’s office*