DILLON, S.C. (WBTW) — The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division released its 2023 crime statistics, and though murders were down 5% statewide last year, Dillon County saw some of the highest crime stats in the Pee Dee.
In 2023, the county had nine murders, 12 sexual assaults, 14 robberies and 295 aggravated assaults. Sheriff Jamie Hamilton said he’s doing everything he can to lower those numbers.
In the report, SLED said the number of offenses has more than doubled statewide over the last decade, and the majority of the offenders are on the younger side.
Hamilton said the biggest thing his department can do right now to help lower crime numbers is be transparent with the community and get the community more engaged.
“I think moving forward, that’s my goal,” Hamilton said. “To try to engage the community more, more community policing, try to meet the public where they are, to try to help alleviate any questions or concerns that they would have and just let them know we’re available.”