[Archived] Serious Crime in Alexandria Drops for Fifth Consecutive Year, Violent Crime Hits 39 Year Low

ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Public Information Office
2003 Mill Road
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(703) 838-4636

MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 12, 2001

Serious Crime in Alexandria Drops for Fifth Consecutive Year,
Violent Crime Hits 39 Year Low

Alexandria Police Chief Charles E. Samarra is proud to announce that in 2000 serious crime in the City decreased for the fifth year in a row to its lowest rate since 1965. The number of crimes in all but two Part I categories (Homicide, Rape, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Larceny and Auto Theft) decreased 6.4% from 1999 to 2000, and overall violent crime fell to its lowest point since 1960.

Part I Crime Statistics January 1 - December 31

Offense 1999 2000 Change
Homicide 2 4 100.0%
Rape 22 16 -27.3%
Robbery 158 153 -3.2%
Aggravated Assault 206 151 -26.7%
Burglary 556 536 -3.6%
Larceny 4,036 3,724 -7.7%
Auto Theft 702 733 4.4%
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Total 5,682 5,317 -6.4%

In 2000, Alexandria experienced the fewest number of robberies in 34 years, the fewest burglaries in 36 years and the fewest aggravated assaults in more than 40 years. The categories of Rape, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary and Larceny all had decreases from 1999 to 2000. Though Homicides rose, the number in 2000 was still below the ten-year average of 5.6. Grand Larceny Autos increased slightly, but were well below the ten-year average of 914.

Says Chief Samarra, “Like much of the region and nation, Alexandria continues to benefit from a steady drop in serious crime. Though our population has grown significantly, crime has not and so our per capita crime rate now reflects the outstanding quality of life many people in Alexandria enjoy. Even with these successes, 2000 was especially difficult as we lost two children, Kevin Shifflett and Katelyn Frazier, to violent deaths.”

Chief Samarra gratefully acknowledges the police department’s outstanding partnerships with civic associations, the business community and the schools, and credits them as key factors in crime reduction. Adds Chief Samarra, “I would like to also recognize the support of our Mayor and City Council, the City Manager’s Office and the Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, as well as the exceptional ability and dedication of our officers, civilian employees and volunteers.”

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