The latest crime statistics in Fayetteville show major decreases in violent crime- though some property crime is trending up.
Community members said they were encouraged by the recent decline. Still, Police Chief Kem Braden said that young people have been driving an uptick in motor vehicle thefts — an issue that he said needs more attention.
Braden said during Monday’s city council meeting that from January to June compared to the same time frame last year, homicides were down by more than half. Rape cases are down by almost 40%. Also, there were almost 200 fewer assaults. Braden said the department can’t pinpoint exactly why it’s seeing these major decreases, but he thinks the department’s outreach to people in need has helped. He also noted that there have been almost 300 more arrests.
“To know that, OK, the likelihood that I’m going to get caught, the likelihood that I’ll get arrested and prosecuted are greater, that means that people are probably going to be less likely to come to the city of Fayetteville and commit crime,” he said.