Gilbert’s overall crime rate soared by 9.3% last year over 2023, driven by an 8.26% increase in violent offenses, according to data town police filed with the state Department of Public Safety.
The overall increase in crime and in violent crimes exceeded the town’s East Valley neighbors as well as Phoenix, according to the data.
Asked about the data, Gilbert Police spokeswoman Brenda Carrasco said, “The 9.39% increase you mentioned is inclusive of Part 1 crimes and simple assaults, as reported by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. “When looking only at Part 1 crimes specifically, which agencies typically use to assess community safety, Gilbert experienced a slight increase of 3.6% from 2023 to 2024. The overall 9.37% increase is mostly attributable to an increase in simple (or misdemeanor) assaults in 2024…