[Archived] Serious Crime Drops in Alexandria,

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

MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 10, 2004 10:00 A.M.

Serious Crime Drops in Alexandria,
Part I Crime at Lowest Point in 35 Years

The Alexandria Police Department is proud to report that serious crime decreased more than 10% in 2003. Crime dropped significantly in three of seven Part I crime categories. Overall violent crime decreased, as did overall property crime.

Alexandria police reported the following activity under the national and state standard Incident-Based Reporting (IBR):

Part I Crime Statistics (January 1 - December 31)

Offense	2003	2002	Change
Homicide	4	2	100%
Rape	27	20	35%
Robbery	179	200	-10.5%
Aggravated Assault	192	186	3.2%
Burglary	497	486	2.3%
Larceny	3,754	4,220	-11.0%
Auto Theft	640	794	-19.4%
Total	5,293	5,908	-10.4%

Serious crime in 2003 fell to its lowest point since 1968, making the 5,293 Part I offenses the fewest in 35 years. Since Charles E. Samarra became Alexandria’s police chief in 1990, serious crime has decreased more than 30%.

Part I crime has decreased in Alexandria for seven of the past eight years, with the only increase occurring in 2001. The use of specialized crime task forces, working closely with the crime analysis unit, has enabled staff to accurately pinpoint where and when specific crimes occur.

Says Chief Samarra, "We gratefully acknowledge the City Council, the City Manager's Office and the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney for their support and commitment. Because of our successful partnerships with residents, business people and other agencies, all Alexandrians enjoy a safer and higher quality of life."

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