ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
2003 MILL ROAD
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22314-4658
703-838-4636
MEDIA ADVISORY
March 29, 2007 #07-020
2:50 P.M. BARTLETT
The Alexandria Police Department reports that serious crime decreased more than 7% in 2006 and is at its lowest point in more than 40 years. This is the fourth year in a row in which index crime (homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and auto theft) fell in Alexandria, continuing a downward trend of crime falling in ten of the past twelve years.
Overall violent crime fell last year, with homicides and robberies increasing slightly, aggravated assaults falling and rapes remaining the same. Overall property crime also fell in 2006, with drops in both larcenies and vehicle thefts, but an increase in burglaries. The rise in robberies and burglaries mirror similar increases in neighboring Fairfax and Arlington counties and anticipated regional and national trends.
Index Crimes (January 1 - December 31)
Crime | 2006 | 2005 | Change |
Homicide | 5 | 4 | 25.0% |
Rape | 23 | 23 | 0.0% |
Robbery | 202 | 197 | 2.5% |
Aggravated Assault | 178 | 201 | -11.4% |
Burglary | 389 | 371 | 4.9% |
Larceny | 2,537 | 2,699 | -6.0% |
Auto Theft | 380 | 513 | -25.9% |
Total | 3,714 | 4,008 | -7.3% |
“I am pleased that we are able to report another significant reduction in the overall crime rate in the City,” said Chief of Police David P. Baker. “At no time in the past 40 years has crime in Alexandria been as low as it was last year. Our success in continuing to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods is a direct result of the quality, hard work and dedication of our sworn, civilian and volunteer staff. We also enjoy a strong and committed partnership with our citizens, the Office of the Sheriff and other City agencies along with a generous and supportive Mayor, City Council and City Manager. Despite our successes in previous years we remain committed to lowering crime even further in 2007.”
For more information, please contact Mary Garrand of the Crime Analysis Unit at 703.838.6360, ext. 260.
(end)
Translate