SPD releases annual report on crime, arrests and calls
On April 1, the Sanibel Police Department released its Annual Crime Statistics Report for 2024.
The SPD reported that an analysis of the federally reported crimes data reveals a 42% decrease in the overall number of crimes compared to 2023 — down from 101 for the prior year to 59 for 2024.
“There was a 45% reduction in reported burglaries, falling from 40 in 2023 to 22 in 2024. Additionally, thefts decreased by 49%, from 59 in 2023 to 30 in 2024,” it reported. “These statistics suggest that burglary, theft and other crimes are returning to more normal levels following Hurricane Ian.”
Increases were seen for some crimes from 2023 to 2024. Assaults rose from one to three, vehicle thefts from one to two, and rapes from zero to two. There were zero robberies and murders for each year.
“The total number of non-federally reportable crimes — including trespassing, drug violations, DUIs (driving under the influence), criminal traffic violations, criminal mischief and harassment — decreased significantly,” the SPD reported.
There were 623 reported in 2023, compared to 247 in 2024, marking a 60% decrease.
“The increase in criminal activity observed in 2023, which followed Hurricane Ian, has been determined to be an anomaly,” it reported. “Crime trends in 2024 are consistent with the levels recorded prior to the storm.”
In terms of arrests, there were a total of 185 arrests in 2024, which represents an 8% increase from the 172 arrests made in 2023. Of the 185 arrests, 62 individuals were taken to the Lee County Jail for incarceration, while the remaining 123 arrests were for minor offenses.
“These individuals received a Notice to Appear (NTA) and were released at the scene,” the SPD reported. “An NTA is a summons that allows a person to be released on their own recognizance, while requiring them to appear in court at a later date to address the charges.”
There was a 32% decrease in DUI arrests, from 19 in 2023 to 13 last year. In contrast, there was an increase in arrests related to drugs and drug paraphernalia, up from zero in 2023 to four in 2024.
The number of reported accidents increased by 16%, going from 86 in 2023 to 100 last year.
“As in previous years, the arrest demographics in Sanibel revealed that only a small percentage — 7% — were residents of Sanibel,” the SPD reported. “The majority — 60% — were from other areas within Lee County, while 9% came from various locations throughout Florida.”
Additionally, 11% of those arrested in 2024 were from other states within the United States. Non-U.S. citizens made up 1% of the arrests, while 12% were aliens without a declared country of domicile.
The total calls for service decreased from 79,965 in 2023 to 64,562 last year — a decline of about 19%. It reported that the figure encompasses criminal reports, ordinance violations, arrests and self-initiated proactive area checks conducted by SPD officers and civilian staff, as well as 911 calls, including those routed to the county for fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
“This decrease is likely a result of a return to normal policing practices following Hurricane Ian,” the SPD reported.
“Self-initiated area checks and radar details are examples of our proactive efforts that are fundamental to the community-oriented approach of the Sanibel Police Department, and they play a vital role in maintaining the safety of the community,” it added. “These checks help deter criminal activity in areas, such as beach accesses and business zones.”
There was a 21% increase in ordinance violations, rising from 423 in 2023 to 513 in 2024. The primary types of observed violations included parking complaints, dog-related issues and beach encroachment.
“The ordinance violations statistic offers a useful way to assess trends in violations and helps inform staff deployment,” the SPD reported. “The ordinance violations tracked by the police department do not encompass those individuals cited by the city’s Code Enforcement division, which is managed by the Planning Department.”
It concluded that it uses crime analysis to set departmental priorities and determine personnel deployment. Based upon the trends observed in 2024, staff will propose additional recommendations for the agency’s patrol and investigative divisions to enhance their efforts in combating crime.
“The Sanibel Police Department is committed to promoting crime prevention through education, awareness efforts, press releases and the encouragement of security camera installations throughout the island,” it added. “We are dedicated to keeping Sanibel a safe community to live, work and visit.”
To view the report, click on ANNUAL CRIME STATISTICS REPORT 2024.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email