Hollister Police at the scene of a drive-by shooting on July 4, 2025. Photo by Jim Johnson.

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Hollister police say 2025 saw a slight increase in crimes against persons as well as a significant reduction in property crimes.

According to the Hollister Police Department’s annual report published on May 20, crimes against persons increased by seven cases from 2024 for a total of 259 reported last year. 

The largest increase occurred in simple assault cases, which jumped from 136 to 178.

Rape cases increased by two from 2024 for a total of 12 cases. 

Robbery, homicide and aggravated assault dropped by a total of 37 cases.

“These statistics underscore the importance of maintaining a balanced approach that prioritizes both enforcement and prevention, while continuing to invest in community partnerships and support service,” Police Chief Carlos Reynoso said in a message included in the report. 

Meanwhile, Hollister broke a trend of property crimes, which had been rising since 2021, according to the report.

“The reductions reflect the continued focus, collaboration and strategic enforcement efforts of our personnel,” Reynoso said. 

The report states that there were 184 reported property crimes in 2025, compared to 348 in 2024.

Crime vs Persons20212022202320242025% change 2024-2025
Simple assault175133160136178+30.9%
Aggravated assault1281151069361-34.4%
Robbery 251018117-36.4%
Rape1525201012+20%
Homicide01221-50%
Total343284306252259+3.5%
Data from the 2025 Hollister Police Department annual report.

The largest change happened within burglaries. According to the report, residential burglaries and general burglaries decreased by 63.2%, from 19 reports in 2024 for each category to seven in 2025. Auto burglaries decreased by 60.2%, dropping from 93 reports in 2024 to 37 reports in 2025.

The biggest reduction happened in shoplifting. There were 75 reports in 2025 compared to 127 in 2024.

Reports of stolen vehicles also decreased to 58 in 2025, compared to 90 in 2024. 

“While challenges remain, we will carry forward the lessons of this past year, build on our successes, and remain focused on our mission to protect and serve with integrity,” Reynoso said in his message. 

The report also includes patrol statistics, types of cases handled by the police’s investigation bureau, and animal control data. 

“This report reflects our ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, public safety, and service to the Hollister Community,” the department said on its Facebook page when releasing the report.

The complete 2025 report is available here.

Property crimes20212022202320242025% change 2024-2025
Shoplifting519112412775-40.9%
Stolen vehicle8480689058-35.6%
Auto burglary423891039337-60.2%
Residential burglary171515197-63.2%
Burglary271915197-63.2%
Total302294325348184-52.9%
Data from the 2025 Hollister Police Department annual report.

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Noe Magaña is a BenitoLink reporter. He began with BenitoLink as an intern and later served as a freelance reporter. He has also served as content manager and co-editor. He experiments with videography...