If you watch the news or read the paper, it can sometimes seem like crime is at an all-time high. But according to statistics, violent crime in Cedar Rapids is actually down during the first half of 2018.

Cedar Rapids police officials say violent crime is down 13% so far this year compared to the same period last year. What are 'violent crimes'? The FBI describes them as homicides, aggravated assault, sexual assault, and robbery. 151 such crimes have been committed this year in Cedar Rapids, compared to 173 at this time last year.

Reports of rapes and other sexual assaults are down this year, and aggravated assaults are down 20%. The news isn't all good though. Homicides are up in 2018 as are the number of robberies. But the numbers do continue a downward trend in violent crime. Since 2013, such crimes are down 8%.

Why the decrease? Police officials sight community involvement, arrests of violent offenders, along with other forms of crime prevention as the top reasons the numbers are trending in the right direction. Police say the goal is to make Cedar Rapids a safe community to live in.

 

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