Waterloo, Iowa carries a BaseScore of 23/100 (Tier 2: Low), with 9,114 total threat incidents recorded across the city in 2025. Security teams evaluating Waterloo for operations, travel, or site selection need street-level intelligence to assess risk across their specific operating locations.
Theft in Waterloo, Iowa — 2025 Overview
Property Crime is Waterloo's largest threat category at 50.4% of all recorded incidents — 4,597 of 9,114 total in 2025. Theft and robbery are primary drivers of this figure. Common types at this volume include retail theft, vehicle break-ins, and opportunistic street robbery.
BaseScore and Threat Overview for Waterloo, Iowa
Waterloo's BaseScore of 23/100 places the city in Tier 2: Low on the Base Operations risk scale. In 2025, the city recorded 9,114 total incidents across 3 primary categories: Property Crime (50.4%, 4,597 incidents), Violent Crime (31.1%, 2,836 incidents), Regulatory Offenses (18.4%, 1,681 incidents).
What is BaseScore?
BaseScore is a standardized 0–100 risk rating that enables security teams to compare threat levels across any global location using the same validated methodology. Normalized for population density, weighted by crime severity, and updated monthly from 25,000+ sources, BaseScore delivers the consistent, granular intelligence that replaces fragmented government statistics and expensive consulting assessments. Learn more about our methodology
How Security Teams Use BaseScore
- Get apples-to-apples comparison of risk across your entire location footprint — from Mumbai to Miami to Munich
- Prioritize the highest-risk sites and build a tiered approach to security resource allocation
- Turn hours of manual research into minutes of analysis with standardized, street-level threat intelligence
BaseScore Risk Tiers
| Tier | Score Range | Risk Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0–20 | Minimal |
| 2 | 21–40 | Low ← Waterloo |
| 3 | 41–60 | Moderate |
| 4 | 61–80 | High |
| 5 | 81–100 | Critical |
Recent Theft News in Waterloo, Iowa
Intelligence Disclaimer: The following news items are sourced via AI agent analysis of open sources. Confidence levels reflect source reliability — High: government or Base Operations verified data; Medium: multiple corroborating sources; Low: single source or extrapolated. AI agents can provide incorrect or misleading information. For verified, up-to-date threat analysis, use the Base Operations platform.
Waterloo police investigate string of burglaries on west side
Source: KWWL | Date: 2024-02-15 | Confidence: Medium
Security implication: Street-level threat data helps security teams assess localized risk patterns that city-level statistics miss — enabling data-driven decisions for personnel safety and asset protection.
Waterloo police are investigating multiple burglaries reported on the west side of the city over the past week. Several homes were targeted, with electronics and jewelry among the stolen items. Authorities are asking residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
Man arrested in connection to Waterloo convenience store robbery
Source: The Courier | Date: 2024-03-22 | Confidence: Medium
Security implication: Street-level threat data helps security teams assess localized risk patterns that city-level statistics miss — enabling data-driven decisions for personnel safety and asset protection.
A 34-year-old man was arrested following a robbery at a convenience store in Waterloo on Thursday night. The suspect allegedly threatened the clerk with a weapon before fleeing with cash. Police apprehended him nearby after a short pursuit.
Waterloo business targeted in overnight theft, suspects at large
Source: KCRG | Date: 2024-05-10 | Confidence: Medium
Security implication: Street-level threat data helps security teams assess localized risk patterns that city-level statistics miss — enabling data-driven decisions for personnel safety and asset protection.
A local business in Waterloo was broken into overnight, with thieves stealing equipment and cash. Security footage captured two individuals, but no arrests have been made. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Police seek suspects in Waterloo residential burglary spree
Source: KWWL | Date: 2024-07-03 | Confidence: Medium
Security implication: Street-level threat data helps security teams assess localized risk patterns that city-level statistics miss — enabling data-driven decisions for personnel safety and asset protection.
Waterloo police are searching for suspects involved in a series of residential burglaries over the holiday weekend. Several homes reported missing valuables, including cash and electronics. Authorities have released descriptions of potential suspects and are asking for public assistance.
Armed robbery reported at Waterloo gas station, investigation ongoing
Source: The Courier | Date: 2024-09-18 | Confidence: Medium
Security implication: Street-level threat data helps security teams assess localized risk patterns that city-level statistics miss — enabling data-driven decisions for personnel safety and asset protection.
An armed robbery occurred at a Waterloo gas station late Tuesday night, according to police reports. The suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash after threatening employees. No injuries were reported, and the investigation remains active.
Theft Category Breakdown in Waterloo, Iowa
Waterloo recorded 9,114 total incidents across 3 primary threat categories in 2025.
| Category | 2025 Incidents | % of Total | Monthly Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Crime | 4,597 | 50.4% | 383 |
| Violent Crime | 2,836 | 31.1% | 236 |
| Regulatory Offenses | 1,681 | 18.4% | 140 |
| Total | 9,114 | 100% | 762 |
Data source: Base Operations platform, January–December 2025, Waterloo city-level.
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