Preliminary data show crime was down in Saint Paul in 2016
Serious crime decreased by 2.4 percent last year, violent crimes against persons by 8.2 percent
There were fewer aggravated assaults, robberies and thefts in Saint Paul last year, according to preliminary data released by the Saint Paul Police Department.
The data measure Part I offenses, which includes violent crime such as homicide, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, Part I offenses appear to have decreased by 2.4 percent.
Because the data is based initial incident information that does not include a final assessment of victims or unfounded reports of crime, it is possible that the final percentage could change slightly when it is submitted to the FBI for Uniform Crime Reporting purposes later next month.
According to the data:
- Violent crimes against persons fell by 8.2 percent
- Aggravated assaults fell by 8.4 percent
- Robberies fell by 2.2 percent
- Theft fell by 7.4 percent
- Rapes fell by 13.6 percent
- Incidents of homicide fell by 4.5 percent.
The city did experience more auto thefts (up 6.9 percent), residential burglaries (up 3.2 percent) and commercial burglaries (up 30.1 percent). In addition, reports of firearms discharges went up 28.6 percent.
Saint Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell credits exceptional police work and community engagement for the reduction in crime, but notes that there is still work to do.
“We are more efficient and effective when we have the community’s support and cooperation,” he said. “That’s why our officers are working hard to build relationships, build trust and solicit the public’s assistance in helping us prevent crime and solve cases more quickly when they occur.
“It’s a plan that is working and we are looking forward to expanding the work in 2017.”
Axtell said he is concerned about the increase in firearms discharges and that the department will be moving five new officers to the Gang and Gun Unit later this month to help address the issue.
More information about crime statistics and data from years past is available on the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension website
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