Overall crime rates down in Minneapolis
Overall crime is down in the city of Minneapolis; however, some parts of town have seen increases in certain types of offenses. Tuesday the Minneapolis Police Department announced that violent crime is down 18 percent from last year and non-violent crime dipped 12 percent since 2008.
The number of homicides in Minneapolis has dropped more than 80 percent over the last two years. So far this year there have been three killings. Last year there were 11, and in 2007 there were 18.
Total violent crime has dropped by 25 percent since 2007. That includes rape, robbery and aggravated assault as well as homicide. Minneapolis police Sgt. Jesse Garcia said the decreases in crime are due to good police work.
"We've got some great investigations that have put a lot of people in jail," Garcia said. "And also the ground level, the street officers are actually doing a good job. They're getting out there. They're in the neighborhoods. They're stopping a lot of crimes before they actually happen."
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The number of property crimes have also decreased, but not as sharply as violent crimes. But parts of southwest Minneapolis, including neighborhoods in the Uptown area have seen a spike in burglaries.
Fifth Precinct inspector Kris Arneson said burglars have been targeting homes with big-screen televisions.
"So if you have one, I would suggest that you shut your drapes when you're not at home so people can't see it," Arneson said. "Or shut your drapes when you're watching it. Make sure your neighbors know when you're not home, so they can keep an eye on your house."
So far this year there've also been more burglaries, arson and larceny in parts of north Minneapolis than there were at this time last year.