Message from Deputy Mayor Matt Adams

Deputy Mayor Matt Adams, serving as the governing body's liaison to the Scotch Plains Police Department, shared encouraging news about the township's public safety record based on recent FBI crime data.

Scotch Plains recorded just eight total violent crimes in 2025, encompassing murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault combined. The five-year average for violent crime now stands at nine incidents per year, the lowest five-year average since 1986.

On property crime, Scotch Plains achieved historic lows in 2025. Burglaries totaled 13, the lowest figure in 40 years. Larcenies came in at 73, also a 40-year low. Total property crime, including burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson, was 122, the lowest in four decades.

Based on FBI reporting, Scotch Plains earned an "A" crime grade nationally, ranking safer than 93 percent of comparable U.S. cities. The violent crime rate of 31.6 per 100,000 residents is 84 percent below the New Jersey statewide average. The township has not had a murder in 12 years, and robberies have held steady at one per year for each of the last three years.

Adams acknowledged a challenge in motor vehicle theft, which rose to 26 in 2025 from 22 the prior year, driven partly by 11 vehicles stolen during August. However, this figure remains approximately 30 percent below peak COVID-era levels.

The police department has deployed undercover vehicles, adjusted patrol patterns, and implemented targeted enforcement strategies to combat motor vehicle theft. Adams credited the Scotch Plains Police Department's dedication and noted the township's investments in public safety, including recent authorization for the Police Department's acquisition of public safety drone technology to aid in responding to critical incidents and law enforcement activities in remote areas.

Union County Life covers Scotch Plains government announcements and community news. Stay informed about Scotch Plains safety updates and civic news on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Township of Scotch Plains, New Jersey

FAQ

Q: What were Scotch Plains' violent crime statistics for 2025?
A: According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, Scotch Plains recorded eight total violent crimes in 2025, encompassing murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault combined.

Q: What is the five-year violent crime average in Scotch Plains?
A: The five-year average for violent crime is nine incidents per year, the lowest five-year average since 1986.

Q: How did Scotch Plains perform on property crime in 2025?
A: Scotch Plains achieved historic lows in property crime. Burglaries totaled 13 (40-year low), larcenies were 73 (40-year low), and total property crime was 122 (lowest in four decades).

Q: What is Scotch Plains' FBI crime grade?
A: Based on FBI reporting, Scotch Plains earned an "A" crime grade nationally, ranking safer than 93 percent of comparable U.S. cities.

Q: How does Scotch Plains' violent crime rate compare to New Jersey?
A: The violent crime rate of 31.6 per 100,000 residents is 84 percent below the New Jersey statewide average.

Q: How long has Scotch Plains gone without a murder?
A: The township has not had a murder in 12 years.

Q: What is the status of robberies in Scotch Plains?
A: Robberies have held steady at one per year for each of the last three years.

Q: What about motor vehicle theft?
A: Motor vehicle theft rose to 26 in 2025 from 22 in 2024, driven partly by 11 vehicles stolen during August. However, this remains approximately 30 percent below peak COVID-era levels.

Q: How is the police department addressing motor vehicle theft?
A: The police department has deployed undercover vehicles, adjusted patrol patterns, and implemented targeted enforcement strategies to combat the theft threat.

Q: Is the township investing in police technology?
A: Yes. The township recently authorized the Police Department's acquisition of public safety drone technology to aid in responding to critical incidents and law enforcement activities in remote areas.