‘Our job is not done’: Henrico saw fewer violent crimes last year, leaders hope trend continues

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- At a recent Henrico County Board of Supervisors special meeting, Henrico County Police Chief Eric English presented data surrounding crime in the county from 2024.

On Wednesday, 8News spoke one-on-one with the local leader to hear these updates.

One key takeaway was that violent crime decreased overall in 2024 compared to the year prior. Chief English told 8News that 2024 saw 21 homicides, which is down from 25 the year before.

While officials said this decrease is good news, Chief English still has something on his mind.

"Our job is not done," the chief reiterated. "We have got to continue to work hard."

(Photo: Henrico County)

Statistics also show thefts and assaults decreased in 2024, and property crime went down 7% from 2023.

(Photo: Henrico County)

"I think a lot of it is proactive policing," Chief English responded when asked about the crime reduction. "We were in the right areas… officers just initiating activity, really reduced a lot of that."

The chief also told 8News that his team broke a five-year record in the number of guns taken off the streets.

Another "win" for local law enforcement officials came in the form of catalytic converter theft data. The chief reflected on how what once was a major issue for localities across the region -- and even country -- has significantly declined in scale and frequency.

8News asked the chief what he thinks contributed to the drastic reduction in these types of thefts.

"We actually, trademarked [catalytic converters] as far as putting markers on them," Chief English explained. "I think that helped. I also think the manufacturers are doing a better job. Overall, the community itself will be more vigilant and aware of what was going on."

However, while it's exciting to reflect on the positives from last year in terms of crime, it's important to note -- as the chief previously said -- the job isn't over.

"There's still too many shootings that are taking place," Chief English said. "Still too many people getting harmed."

(Photo: Henrico County)

According to data from the county, cases of rape increased -- rising from 20 cases in 2023 to 24 last year. While this isn't considered a statistically significant increase, Chief English said each case -- each person -- is important and that it's critical those cases that do occur are prosecuted.

While police urge everyone to be vigilant when it comes to safety, Chief English specifically shared a message to residents in the Laburnum Corridor and Newbridge areas. He explained that those parts of the county still experience heightened levels of gun violence.

"Don't get complacent," Chief English pleaded. "Just because you hear gunshots and you've gotten accustomed to it, we want those calls coming in. Officers are doing a good job of responding to those calls.

While law enforcement officials' jobs are never truly over, the chief said help from the community is not only appreciated, but critical.

"We need their help also in order to mitigate crime and solve crime," Chief English said.

The Henrico leader also told 8News that it's normal for numbers to fluctuate each year.

Regarding 2025, he said his team is starting to see an increase in thefts.