Coral Gables recorded a significant drop in overall crime in 2024, continuing a downward trend that began two years ago. Newly released data from the Coral Gables Police Department show a 14.3% decrease in total reported crimes from 2023 to 2024. Compared to 2022, the city has seen a cumulative crime reduction of 12.4%.

The steepest declines came in property-related offenses. Burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and vandalism—historically the city’s most common crimes—all posted double-digit decreases in 2024. Robberies dropped from 17 to 5, a decline of more than 70%.

In total, 1,876 crimes were reported in 2024, down from 2,188 the year before. That figure includes offenses classified under the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), which the Coral Gables Police Department submits to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI. The department has already sent its 2024 figures to the state. “We have submitted our numbers to FDLE,” Police Chief Ed Hudak said. “Not sure why they haven’t been published [yet].”

Violent crime fell by 10.38% year over year. Aggravated assaults held steady at 29 cases, and simple assaults declined slightly. Homicides remained low, with just one reported in 2024—there were none the previous year and down from two in 2022. There were no reported kidnappings or nonforcible sex offenses. Reported sex crimes overall have declined for the past two years.

Crimes against property—by far the city’s largest category—dropped 16.75% in 2024. Burglary incidents fell from 88 to 75. Motor vehicle theft, which had risen in 2023, declined sharply to 125 cases, a drop of more than 26%.

Chief Hudak credited his officers for the sustained decreases. “Any negative (decreasing) trends are not a victory for me,” he said. “It’s a reflection of what officers are doing.”

As for trends to watch this year, Coral Gables Police Chief Ed Hudak pointed to online fraud and crimes targeting seniors. He said many older residents do not report fraud.

Even so, he urged caution in interpreting the data. “I don’t like using crime stats to say crime is low,” Hudak said, “because if you are a victim of crime, then [it feels like] to you crime has gone up 1,000 percent.”

The chief said his department worked with outside agencies, including in Broward County, to crack down on car theft rings. “(For the most part), the criminal element does not live in the Gables and to catch them you have to partner with other agencies,” he said.

While most categories declined, a few offenses rose. Drug and narcotics violations increased by over 24%, from 29 to 36 cases. Reports of blackmail and extortion rose from 7 to 12. Purse snatching doubled, though the number rose only from two to four incidents.

Prostitution offenses dropped from 11 to 7, but assisting or promoting prostitution rose from one to three cases. With Coral Gables set to host matches during the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 and the FIFA World Cup in 2026, Hudak said his department is working with task forces to prepare for the possibility of increased human trafficking and related crimes.

Looking ahead, Hudak identified online fraud and crimes targeting seniors as areas of concern. He noted that many older victims do not report fraud due to shame or fear of losing independence. “The embarrassment factor” often prevents victims from coming forward, he said, urging families to help protect elderly relatives.

City officials credit the declines to strong police work and investments in crime-fighting technology. Hudak emphasized the importance of staying ahead of evolving threats. “Because criminals are also on the cutting edge of crime,” he said.

Coral Gables continues to report some of the lowest crime rates in Miami-Dade County. With a drop in both violent and property crime and global events on the horizon, officials say they will remain focused on prevention, coordination and public trust.