OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Violent crime is down in major cities, according to crime statistics released Monday by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland.
The Omaha data shows a similar trend, except for homicides, which are up about 20% in Omaha.
The data for all major cities released on Monday covers statistics from Jan. 1 to June 30, and compares the same period last year with the same period this year.
“This data is another indicator of significant declines in violent crime in major cities across the nation. In nearly 70 major cities across the nation, violent crime continues to decline during the first six months of the year compared to the same period last year, with homicides down 17 percent,” the attorney general's release states. “This latest data follows last year's historic decline in homicides nationwide and one of the lowest levels of violent crime in the past 50 years.”
Omaha data shows homicides are up, but reports of rape, robbery and aggravated assault are down this year compared to last year.
There were eight homicides reported in the first six months of 2023, compared with 10 in the first six months of this year. Reports of rape and robbery fell by about 26 percent, and reports of aggravated assault fell by about 31 percent.
AG Report: January-June 2023-2024 Rape Robbery Assault 2023128147891202495109613
Source: Major City Police Chiefs Association Violent Crime Survey
The Omaha Police Department's quarterly crime statistics support the attorney general's assessment.
According to data posted for the first quarter, OPD handled four homicide reports, compared to just one during the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, the number of other violent crimes decreased from the first quarter of 2023 report.
OPD Reports: January-March 2023-2024 Rape Robbery Assault 2023696638020245060311
Source: Omaha Police Department statistics
According to statistics from the Omaha Police Department, rape reports in Omaha during the first three months of 2024 were down about 27% compared to the same period last year. Robbery reports were down about 9% and aggravated assault reports were down about 18%.
The OPD report also includes statistics on burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft, which are distinct from robberies.
OPD Report: January-March 2023 Burglary Theft Motor Vehicle Theft 2023 2982, 564952 2024 2752, 707828
Source: Omaha Police Department statistics
During the comparison period, thefts in Omaha increased, but reports of burglary and auto theft decreased: Burglaries decreased by about 8 percent, larceny increased by about 5 percent, and reports of auto theft decreased by 13 percent.
Read the Attorney General's full statement
“This data is yet another indicator of significant declines in violent crime in major cities across the nation. In nearly 70 major cities across the nation, violent crime continues to decline in the first six months of the year compared to the same period last year, with homicides down 17 percent.”
The latest data comes on the heels of a historic drop in homicides nationwide last year and one of the lowest levels of violent crime in the past 50 years.
Three and a half years ago, the Department of Justice launched an ambitious strategy to fight violent crime that was founded on investing in partnerships with other federal law enforcement agencies, with state and local law enforcement who risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe, and the communities we all serve.
The Department of Justice is working with partners to reduce violent crime, and the results are paying off.
But our message is clear: We will not rest until every person and every community is safe from violent crime.
“We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners across the country to arrest violent criminals, seize and trace guns used in crimes, disrupt violent drug trafficking, and increase the number of officers in our police departments with critical investments. We also continue to work with our community partners to support life-saving efforts aimed at preventing and stopping violence before it happens.”
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