Crime Stats in Cedar Riverside

One piece of good news I've received this month: serious crime in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood in 2007 was down 16% from 2006 levels. The most dramatic decrease was in the number of robberies, one of the crimes that has caused the most concern in the neighborhood. There were 40% fewer robberies in Cedar Riverside in 2007 than in 2006.



The most concerning statistic is that there was a homicide in the neighborhood in 2007, as well as several non-fatal shootings. I am working with my colleague Robert Lilligren to set up a meeting between several Council Members and leaders in the Somali community to discuss the ongoing problem of witnesses to these serious crimes not coming forward to the police.



Even with that concern noted, however, these statistics are a very good sign. Thanks to the West Bank crime and safety committee, the LRT safety committee (who have done fantastic work fundraising for lighting and cameras), but especially to the First Precinct of the MPD. The targeted enforcement and beat cops seem to have had a substantial positive impact. I hope we can keep these efforts going throughout 2008. We are making progress, but we still have a ways to go.



Here are the raw stats:



Year: 2006 2007



Total Crimes: 660 554

Homicide: 0 1

Rape: 12 7

Robbery: 91 51

Aggravated Assault: 45 38

Burglary: 64 67

Larceny: 283 246

Auto Theft: 162 144

Arson: 3 0