Violence and Fires in Savannah: A Mixed Picture for 2025

Crime trends – overall violent crime rose by 3%, largely due to an increase in homicides (28) and domestic gun‑free fights.
Positive note – the department cleared 89% of homicides.

• Shootings: People shot but not killed fell by 25%.
• Burglaries & thefts: Fewer burglaries; car thefts down 22%.
• Gun‑related incidents: Thieves taking guns from unlocked cars dropped to 130 thefts.
• Chief Lenny Gunther urges residents: lock vehicles and secure weapons, especially after a judge overturned the city’s gun‑storage ordinance.

Technology Boost

• Cameras: 70 new high‑definition cameras to be added, joining the existing ten.
• Funding: $1 million grant from SCAD.

Fire Department Update

• Fatalities: 4 people died in fires last year (2 ice‑storm, 2 November).
• Calls: 13 679 total; 788 fire‑related. Downtown Savannah had the highest volume due to older buildings and density.
• Response times: Most units arrive within 3 minutes, but overall slower than the national average of 4 minutes. Efforts underway to improve speed and reduce fatalities.

Public Safety Workshop – officials highlighted progress and challenges. Residents can help by securing homes and vehicles while the city enhances technology and training.