Crime up by 16 percent in Springfield during second quarter

(From the Springfield Police Department)

During the second quarter of 2017, SPD reported an overall increase in crime by 16 percent. This is in comparison to the crime statistics from April through June 2016, and is shown in the Springfield Police Department’s latest Quarterly Public Safety Report.

Crimes against persons (violent crime) decreased by 4 percent compared to the second quarter of 2016, due to about 40 fewer reported robberies – however, this was offset by the fact that property crime increased by about 19 percent. There were notable rises in reported larcenies, burglaries and vehicle thefts. Thefts from inside vehicles nearly doubled in this quarter compared to the same quarter in 2016. 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 62 percent during the second 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 Prescription Pill Diversion Investigator and efforts to attack the rise in opioid abuse.

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.