Saturday, April 14, 2007

Overall Crime Drops in 2006

Fairfax County maintained an overall decrease in index crime (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft) in 2006 compared to 2005. Only two categories of crime, robbery and burglary, increased in that one-year period, which is consistent with crime trends throughout the country.


* 2005 - 20 offenses, 22 victims
* 2006 - 18 offenses, 19 victims

The increase in commercial and street-level robberies has continued into 2007. These offenses are particularly important because of the potential for violence against victims. Colonel Dave Rohrer, Chief of the Fairfax County Police Department, says robberies are a top priority for patrol officers and detectives. “My officers and detectives are doing an outstanding job in responding to and investigating these cases and a significant number of arrests have been made. As I’ve stated before, our robbery increase unfortunately mirrors regional and national trends, with many localities experiencing significantly higher increases and significant increases in gun violence.”

Very preliminary numbers for burglary for 2007 show a decrease compared to the same periods YTD in 2006. There have been a significant number of arrests in burglary cases in recent months; many involving single suspects charged with multiple burglaries.

PIO release
Crime Prevention Office
Fairfax County Police Department
703-246-2253

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