(WTTW News)

The number of shootings and homicides recorded across Chicago through the first five months of 2024 remain at their lowest points over the past five years, according to new data from the Chicago Police Department.

Through the end of May, there have been 204 homicides and 979 shootings, both of which are the lowest totals for any year in Chicago since 2019. According to the CPD, homicides are down 14.6% year-to-date, while shootings are down nearly 10% and the number of shooting victims is down 5.6%.

There were 55 homicides recorded in the month of May alone, the CPD data shows, which marks a 20% decline compared to the same month last year. The number of shootings recorded last month (296) is also down more than 6% compared to May 2023.

According to the CPD, police officers recovered 968 illegal firearms last month, upping the year’s total thus far to 4,831 firearms.

The police department said there have been 401 vehicular hijackings recorded year-to-date, which is a decrease of nearly 15% compared to the same time in 2023. Vehicle thefts are down 27% year-to-date and armed robberies are down almost 10%.

As the summer gets underway, the CPD also said it has increased its presence across the city and on the lakefront to maintain public safety and prepare for festivals and large scale events.

“All Chicagoans deserve to enjoy everything our city has to offer this summer,” Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said in a statement. “The dedicated men and women of CPD will be working to protect our neighborhoods citywide for every visitor, resident, family and child.”

A Safer City is supported, in part, by the Sue Ling Gin Foundation Initiative for Reducing Violence in Chicago.