RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Despite lingering negative perception, violent crime in Richmond is lower than it’s been in 45 years.
That’s the word from the city’s top cop today as Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham released Richmond’s crime numbers from the past year. He also addressed an unsettling violent start to 2016.
“While I truly believe that one homicide is too many, we finished the year with four fewer homicides,” Durham said Friday. “We had 39 last year compared to 43 in 2014. I always say the tide of crime ebbs and flows. We were not at number five homicide until April of last year. That’s alarming, but I think again we are out here doing tremendous things with the community.”5 out of 1,000 residents are victims of violent crime compared to 7 out of 1,000 being victimized in 2011.
Although Richmond continues to grow, Durham says currently 5 out of 1,000 residents are victims of violent crime compared to 7 out of 1,000 being victimized in 2011.
And even though violent crime is down, property crime has risen, especially when it comes to vehicles. Authorities insist there would be fewer victims of property crime if more residents would lock up their cars and put their valuables away.
Chief Durham and Mayor Dwight Jones have teamed up with a public service announcement to remind people to lock away their belongings.
As far as juvenile crime is concerned, especially violent crime …
“That’s a good question,” Durham said. “The majority of the firearms are recovered from our young people. Young people are walking around with guns; not only walking around but shooting themselves accidentally.
