North Mpls. crime down slightly in week after tornado

Minneapolis police say burglaries jumped in the week following the tornado that hit the north side of the city, but overall, crime went down last week.

Inspector Mike Martin, commander of the 4th precinct which covers north Minneapolis, said there were 61 burglaries last week, a 74 percent increase compared to the same week last year when 35 burglaries were reported.

"We're not seeing other problems associated with the storm that would be related to violence or rioting or anything like that," Martin said.

Martin said vacant properties were usually the targets, with thieves taking scrap metal, and even copper from downed power lines.

Martin said violent crimes, including murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, were down 21 percent compared to the same week a year ago, and overall, crime was down 7 percent. Twenty-three violent crimes were reported last week in the 4th precinct, compared to 29 a year ago.

Police nearly doubled their patrols on the north side in the aftermath of the storm, and Martin credits the vigilance of neighbors, workers and volunteers in helping to keep an eye out.

"We've had a lot of good people out," Martin said.