Crime is rising in Sunnyvale, and understanding the reason is crucial. Sunnyvale has a reputation for being one of the safest cities in the Bay Area, CA and even the US with one of the lowest crime rates in the region. According to KRON4, it ranks as the ninth safest city in the Bay Area, following San Mateo, Saratoga and Fremont.
“Right after the Bell Game, at In-N-Out, there was a stabbing near it between two adults and it looked like a crime scene,” FHS Freshman Doron Mirsky said. “So ever since, it felt less safe in that area for me because I now know these things can happen.”
Over the past few years, there has been a 15.6% increase in violent crime and a staggering 59% increase in crime in Sunnyvale over the last decade, while neighboring cities like San Jose and Santa Clara all saw a decrease in crime. Just in January of 2025, Sunnyvale saw a total of 952 crimes, most of which were thefts.
“Definitely be mindful of how you move,” FHS wellness-based support specialist Alejandra Flores said. “[If] you have something flashy and fancy that might be attractive to some people, and that might motivate theft, think twice about how you want to present that, and if that’s a risk you’re willing to take.”
Neighborhoods like Wrightmont Corners, Cumberland South and Nimitz remain among the safest with lower crime rates. Areas such as Heritage District, where downtown Sunnyvale is located, have reported higher instances of theft, burglary and car break-ins. According to the community crime map on LexisNexis, there were several theft incidents at Target on McKinley Avenue in downtown Sunnyvale, with nine thefts occurring within a span of just two weeks. Additionally, a commercial burglary case was reported at FHS on Jan. 26, 2025.
“Personally, I don’t feel unsafe in Sunnyvale,.” FHS sophomore Ashley Lopez said. “There are certain areas, especially at night, where I am more careful because of the higher crime there. But [Sunnyvale] is definitely safer than other cities like San Francisco.”
“If there is more crime in a certain area it’s definitely going to affect how you move through the city and take care of yourself or even what you do,” Flores said. “A safety precaution that everyone can take, whether it’s a student or not, definitely always share with somebody where you’re going and what you’re doing.”
There are multiple reasons as to why public safety in Sunnyvale is changing: economic changes, policy changes and population growth. Sunnyvale is in the expensive Silicon Valley region, and the cost of living continues to rise. Rising rent and home prices put pressure on citizens and can sometimes lead to higher property crime rates. With more people moving into cities like Sunnyvale, law enforcement needs to adapt to new challenges. To combat this, California has implemented various new criminal justice reforms that emphasize rehabilitation. Although these measures may have advantages, some law enforcement officials argue that they can contribute to the issue of repeat offenders by allowing individuals to be released from jails more quickly.
The city of Sunnyvale and the Department of Public Safety are aware of the recent crime trends and have taken steps to improve safety. The department increased focus on high theft areas, invested more money in hiring officers and implemented more surveillance. Sunnyvale is also investing in new technologies to improve crime detection and response times. New license plate readers and real-time crime mapping tools allow officers to track and respond to incidents more efficiently. The city also increased community outreach efforts to encourage the reporting of crimes and educate residents on crime prevention techniques.
“I do feel like crime has increased over the past few years but I still feel relatively safe here. Sunnyvale police are very good when it comes to preventing crime from happening,.” Lopez said. “I think since there is no crime being constantly done here [FHS] students don’t feel as affected..”
Despite the recent rise in crime, Sunnyvale remains one of the safest cities in the Bay Area. According to Crime Grade, cities of similar population size to Sunnyvale such as Englewood, CO; Fairfield, CA; and Escondido, CA, all have an overall crime grade of a C. Sunnyvale remains relatively safe, with an overall crime grade of a B, which is lower than the national average for crime. In a statement by the city of Sunnyvale to FOX News, the city mentioned that they monitor crime rates very closely and are coordinating with neighboring law enforcement agencies on solutions to these trends. The officer union posted the stats, saying it is important that residents and city leaders understand the upward trend and do what is necessary to lower the rise. A Public Safety Officer Association spokesperson also added in an NBC Bay Area interview that it is not to raise the alarm but to raise awareness so people can be more vigilant and better informed.
“Be mindful of all of your surroundings, whether we think this is a safe city or not, it’s just good to always walk on the side of caution,” Flores said.
Ultimately, crime happens where people are. The dedicated officers of Sunnyvale continue to work tirelessly to keep the city safe and ensure crime rates remain low overall. While challenges exist, Sunnyvale’s approach, strong community and safety improvements make it a secure place to live and work. Sunnyvale maintains its reputation as a safe and thriving city for all.
For more information about crime rates, public safety, emergency preparations or any wonderings about our city, visit sunnyvale.ca.gov to stay informed.
