Report: Crime up 17 percent in Springfield during first quarter

(From the Springfield Police Department)

During the first quarter of 2017, SPD reported an overall increase in crime by 17 percent. This is in comparison to the crime statistics from January through March 2016, and is shown in the Springfield Police Department’s latest Quarterly Public Safety Report.

Crimes against persons (violent crime) actually decreased by 4 percent compared to the first quarter of 2016, due to nearly 50 fewer reported aggravated assaults – however, this was offset by the fact that property crime increased by about 20 percent. There were notable rises in reported larcenies and vehicle thefts. About one third of larcenies reported are due to criminals stealing items from inside vehicles. These stolen items are often in plain sight and even unlocked vehicles, making the crime tempting and easily committed by the criminal. Vehicle thefts increased by 77 percent during the first quarter of 2017. These reports include thefts of not just cars and trucks, but scooters, motorcycles, ATVs and golf carts as well.

The Quarterly Public Safety Report also features information about the Department’s new patrol squad that went into service in January to assist with Center City’s high call volume experienced during the late afternoon and early evenings on weekdays.

The SPD began publishing the Quarterly Public Safety Report in October 2013 to increase awareness about public safety issues in the community. In addition to providing crime statistics, the report provides information on innovative programs and highlights of crime prevention strategies.