New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
New comparative data (see table) released today shows crime in the City of New Bedford has fallen in virtually every category during the first seven months of 2015 when compared to the first seven months of previous years.
Decline in Violent Crimes
Violent crime (which includes homicides, rapes, robberies and assaults) is down 13% over the same seven months in 2014. Incidents of rape are down nearly 25% from last year’s figure. Incidents of robberies and assaults are each down about 10% from last year’s figure.
Decline in Property Crimes
Property crime in New Bedford (which includes burglary and vehicle thefts) is down by 17% over the same seven months last year. Break-ins are down 13% from last year’s figure. The New Bedford Police Department has been especially successful in reducing car thefts in the past two years. Compared to the first seven months of 2013, car thefts are down by 35%.
Homicide Rate Comparing Favorably
The city’s homicide rate remains remarkably low for a city of New Bedford’s size. Charges have been filed in connection with the three homicides that occurred this year through August 2, 2015. Over the same time periods in past two years the City saw two homicides (2014) and three homicides (2013), respectively.
By comparison, nearby Providence, Rhode Island has had nine homicides through August 2nd this year. Boston, Massachusetts has had 18 homicides through August 2nd this year. In per capita terms, the homicide rate in New Bedford this year is lower than Providence and roughly comparable to Boston.
In addition, the number of incidents in New Bedford in which shots were fired during the first seven months dropped by more than one-third (35%) from the same seven months last year.
New Bedford Police Chief David Provencher said the Police Department’s diligence on gun and gang violence and its effort to monitor emerging issues in neighborhoods are two key elements of New Bedford’s crime strategy: “We rely heavily on the strong partnerships we’ve developed with folks in our neighborhoods. They are critical partners in our efforts to prevent and reduce criminal activity, and we are grateful for their support and involvement.”
Provencher added, “At their core, today’s new numbers reflect the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the men and women of the New Bedford Police Department who go into the neighborhoods each day and night to protect the residents of this community. We are committing to protecting and serving those who have chosen New Bedford as the place to live, work and raise a family.
Mayor Jon Mitchell, himself a former federal prosecutor, praised Chief Provencher and the officers of the Police Department saying, “In my previous career I had the opportunity to work with police departments across Massachusetts, and New Bedford always stood out as having one of the best led and most professional organizations in the state. As Mayor, ensuring the effectiveness of our police has been one of my top priorities, so today’s results are an indication to me that the focus has been well placed.”
