2015 Crime Data Shows Streets Safer in New Bedford; Crime Down in 6 of 9 Categories

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Violent Crimes down 14%; Property Crimes down 8%. New data released today by the New Bedford Police Department shows the number of crime incidents in the City of New Bedford fell in most categories during calendar year 2015 when compared to calendar year 2014.

Decline in Violent Crimes

Violent crime in 2015 (which includes homicides, rapes, robberies and assaults) is down 14% over calendar year 2014. Incidents of robberies are down 6% and aggravated assaults are down 14%.

Decline in Property Crimes

Property crime in New Bedford (which includes burglary and vehicle thefts) is down by 8% over calendar year 2014. Break-ins are down 12%.

Homicide Rate Comparing Favorably

New Bedford’s homicide rate remains remarkably low for a city of New Bedford’s size. New Bedford saw three homicides in 2014 and five in 2015.

By comparison, other urban centers in the New England had larger numbers of homicides as well as higher per capita (population adjusted) homicide rates in 2015, including: Boston (38), Hartford (32), Springfield (18), Providence (14), New Haven (15), Brockton ( 9).

2015 Crime Data

New Bedford (5 homicides; population 95,000) and Worcester (8 homicides; population 183,000) are roughly comparable on a per capita basis. New Bedford Acting Police Chief David Lizotte attributed the progress to the Police Department’s strategy of working closely with neighborhoods and targeting “high-impact” players that commit a disproportionate number of criminal acts.

“The latest statistics are evidence that our approach to policing in New Bedford is effective, and that we are executing our mission at a high level across many areas. While we are achieving many of our public safety goals, there are still key pockets in the city where a stronger partnership with neighbors and increased enforcement can make a big difference in improving the quality of life for residents,” said Chief Lizotte.

Mayor Jon Mitchell said, “Above all, the numbers reflect the high standards and professionalism of the New Bedford Police Department. Our officers do a difficult job very well. New Bedford continues to stand out as having one of the best police departments in the state.”

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