Stillwater Police Report 8 Percent Crime Drop, Major Animal Welfare Improvements

Department reports mixed crime trends while animal welfare unit achieves zero euthanizations for space

Chris Peters

Feb 24, 2026 - 10 min read

The main entrance to the Stillwater Police Department at 723 S. Lewis St. The department released its 2025 annual report Jan. 30, showing an 8 percent decline in overall crime while vehicle break-ins increased 25 percent. – Photo by Chris Peters

Stillwater Police Report 8 Percent Crime Drop, Major Animal Welfare Improvements — The main entrance to the Stillwater Police Department at 723 S. Lewis St. The department released its 2025 annual report Jan. 30, showing an 8 percent decline in overall crime while vehicle break-ins increased 25 percent. – Photo by Chris Peters

Chief Chris Hassig is delivering on his commitment to data-informed policing with the release of the Stillwater Police Department's first annual report under his leadership, showing an 8 percent decline in overall crime alongside a 25.4 percent surge in vehicle break-ins.

The 9-page report, shared on the department's Facebook page Jan. 30, showed the city recorded 5,708 total crimes in 2025 compared to 6,206 in 2024. However, vehicle break-ins jumped 25.4 percent and shoplifting increased 14.3 percent.

Unlock the full story — free for 7 days

Sign up free for newsletters and full archive access — upgrade anytime for priority in-depth reporting, exclusive behind-the-news insights, subscriber-only commenting, and more.

Already a member? Sign in