In a recent government meeting, officials reported a significant decline in crime rates for July, with overall incidents falling 11% below the five-year average. Year-to-date statistics reveal a more substantial decrease of 21.5%. Both violent and property crimes showed notable reductions, with violent crimes down 12.4% from the five-year average.

Specifically, July saw twelve aggravated assaults and batteries, three rapes, and notably, zero reported robberies or homicides. The absence of robberies marks a 100% decrease compared to the five-year average. However, the report highlighted that twelve aggravated batteries and four aggravated assaults were recorded, which is 16.7% below the average for this category. Among these incidents, three were classified as domestic-related, leading to arrests in four cases as of early August.

On the property crime front, the report indicated a year-to-date decrease of 23.1%. In July, there were twelve burglaries, eleven motor vehicle larcenies, nine auto thefts, and two arson incidents. A total of 57 larcenies were also reported. The meeting acknowledged ongoing concerns regarding a recent surge in auto thefts within the city and surrounding areas, urging residents to take precautions such as locking their vehicles.

Overall, the meeting underscored a positive trend in crime reduction, while also addressing specific areas that require continued attention and community vigilance.