The City of Allentown is sharing its first quarterly violent crime update, highlighting crime trends from July through September 2026 and the collaborative efforts underway to protect residents, prevent violence and hold offenders accountable.
This update focuses on homicide, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault.
“These numbers are positive, but public safety is about more than statistics.” said Mayor Matt Tuerk. “Our police officers, paramedics, Office of Violence Prevention, and residents all have a role to play in building a safer Allentown. I want residents to understand not only what the numbers show, but also the work happening everyday to make our neighborhoods safer.”
Allentown recorded 14 robberies from July through September 2026, down from 19 during the same period in 2025. This represents a decrease of approximately 26%.
Collaboration between police and residents remains an important part of public safety efforts. Community members who report crimes, share information and remain engaged with their neighborhoods can help police respond to incidents and support investigations.
Residents can also take steps to reduce opportunities for robbery and theft. Residents and visitors in Allentown are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public. When leaving a vehicle, residents should lock the doors, close the windows, and remove valuables from view.
Allentown recorded two homicides in Q3 this year. While up from Q3 in 2025 (zero), the current total of homicides per year remains lower than many previous years. The graph below shows the number of homicides per year since 2006.
Every homicide is a tragedy that has a lasting impact on families and our community, and one homicide is one too many.
The Allentown Police Department achieved a 100% clearance rate for homicides during the third quarter of 2026. Over the 12-month period from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, the department’s clearance rate was 75%, exceeding the national average of approximate 61% reported for 2024.
“When a violent crime occurs, our job is to pursue every lead, build strong cases and work to ensure those responsible are held accountable,” said Chief Charles Roca. “We know the impact these crimes have on victims, families, and our entire community, and we remain committed to thorough investigations and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.”
Reported rape offenses increased from 9 in Q3 of 2025 to 12 in Q3 of 2026.
The City encourages survivors to come forward when they feel safe doing so and remains committed to supporting survivors, conducting thorough investigations, and connecting victims with appropriate resources.
The department’s investigative work reflects its commitment to pursuing accountability for victims and their families. These efforts, alongside collaboration with community partners and residents, remain an important part of Allentown’s broader approach to public safety.
Preventing violent crime requires more than an enforcement response. Through coordination between the Allentown Police Department and the Office of Violence Prevention, the City works to address violence through public safety efforts, community engagement, and prevention initiatives.
Allentown paramedics play a critical role when responding to aggravated assaults and other serious incidents. Emergency medical care can mean the difference between life and death for victims of violent injuries. By providing lifesaving treatment and coordinating with other first responders, paramedics help reduce the risk of serious assaults resulting in death.
The City recognizes a comprehensive public safety approach must include both efforts to prevent violence and the emergency response that saves lives when violence occurs.
The City of Allentown will continue sharing quarterly updates on violent crime trends, investigative efforts, and prevention initiatives. These reports are intended to give residents a clearer understanding of public safety conditions, recognize the work of those responding to violence, and reinforce the importance of strong community partnerships.
Public safety is a shared responsibility, and the City remains committed to working with residents, community organizations and public safety professionals to build safer neighborhoods throughout Allentown.