Story from LouisvilleKY.gov…
Louisville – New crime statistics reported by Louisville Metro Police’s 1st Division show a reduction in violent crime since the beginning of the year and over the last 16 months in several areas of the city.
Since January 1st, Homicides are down 67% with 4 reported so far this year and Non-Fatal shootings are down 60% for all of the 1st Division.
“I am very encouraged to see these crime numbers trending down,” says Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4). “This is welcome news for the people of District 4 and it shows the hard work of officers in the 1st Division continues to make a difference.”
The Councilwoman was recently updated about the crime numbers by Major Eric Johnson, Commander of the 1st Division.
Highlights of the numbers over the last 16 months
Violent crime for all of 1st Division down nearly 50%
Violent crime in Portland down 37%
Violent crime in Russell down 35%
Zero gun related homicides in Russell in 2018
Currently 15 weeks without a gun related homicide in all 1st Division
Business Robbery is down 44%
Robbery of Person is down 53%
Aggravated Assault is down 26%
Residential Burglary is down 26%
Auto Theft is down 25%
Theft from Vehicles is down 37%
“I am also pleased to see crime trending down in two key areas of the district,” says Sexton Smith. “In fact, we may be looking at the lowest crime numbers in the last 8 years.”
Waterfront Park
Total Crime in Waterfront Park is down 12%
Only 1 theft from auto vs. 5 last year for an 80% reduction
No auto theft
Central Business District
No homicides
Total crime in the CBD is down 12% with 115 fewer offenses
Theft from vehicle is down 50%
Robbery is down 60%
Burglary down 38%
Auto Theft is down 19%
Aggravated Assaults are down 2
The Councilwoman said while there is good news in the decline of violent crime, the opposite appears to be happening with property crime.
“There has been an increase in property crimes with theft of items left inside cars. Theft from buildings is up 20% and Business Burglary is up 20%,” says Sexton Smith. “I have been told those crimes would also decline if we keep our cars locked and no valuables left in plain sight. There is also a need to enhance security of many of our businesses.”