WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Crime rates in Whatcom County saw a general decline last year.

That’s according to the annual Crime in Washington report that was just released by the state Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

The overall number of crimes reported to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office dropped nearly 19% from 2023 to 2024. The report noted a decrease in reported assaults, burglaries, destruction of property and motor vehicle thefts in 2024.

But kidnapping and drug violations were both up compared to 2023.

The Bellingham, Ferndale and Lynden police departments all saw significant drops in overall crimes committed, while Everson and Blaine had slight increases.

Overall, crimes were also down across the state, according to the report.