Local law enforcement agencies are reporting a continued drop in property crimes across Columbus and Bartholomew County to date in 2019.
Between 2015 and 2018, Columbus Police Department witnessed a 19% reduction in property crime. In 2015, 2,106 property crimes were reported by CPD. That number decreased significantly by 2018, reaching 1,706 reported property crimes.
Through the first three quarters of 2019, CPD has noted an additional 16% reduction in property crime, including a 29% reduction in burglaries, 11% decrease in thefts and a 58% reduction in vehicle thefts.
“We set out to reverse the property crime trends in our community by implementing a strategic solution, and as a result we are seeing historic and unprecedented decreases in property crime,” Columbus Police Chief Jon Rohde said.
The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office is also reporting a decrease in property crime at this time between 2018 and 2019. Between Jan. 1, 2018, and Dec. 4, 2018, the county sheriff’s department had 550 reports of property crime.
The county has had 544 reports of property crime between Jan. 1, 2019, and Dec. 4, 2019.
Rohde said while the decrease is a great accomplishment, local law enforcement realize their work is “far from over.” He said they will continue to find innovative ways to further reduce crime.
“While our countless community partners have played a significant role in this success, it’s also rewarding and motivating for our officers to witness the positive results of our transition into a new and cutting edge method of policing,” Rohde said.
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, Columbus police encourage the public to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
