COLUMBUS, Ga. — Theft is by far the most frequently reported serious crime in Columbus, accounting for nearly 80% of the city’s major criminal offenses in 2026. While murders, burglaries and vehicle thefts have declined, ordinary theft has increased, according to the latest Columbus Police Department statistics.
Through October 13, Columbus police recorded 5,435 serious crimes, compared with 5,432 during the same period in 2025. That represents virtually no change in the overall number of reported offenses, although individual crime categories have moved in different directions. The figures reveal that property crime, particularly theft, remains the largest contributor to Columbus’ reported crime totals…