Memphis and Shelby County have seen declines in three major categories of violent crime so far this year, and leaders say that while citizens “probably don’t yet feel or sense it,” the needle is moving in the right direction.
Numbers for murders, rapes, and robberies were all lower in Memphis and Shelby County in the first three quarters of 2018 compared to the same time last year, according to new figures released Wednesday by the University of Memphis Public Safety Institute and the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission. However, aggravated assaults rose in both the city and the county.
Here’s the basic breakdown of the numbers in Memphis so far this year (compared to last year):
• Reported murders — 112 (down from 136)
• Reported rapes — 378 (from 462)
• Reported robberies — 2,255 (down from 2,574)
• Reported aggravated assaults — 6,970 (up from 6,843)
Here’s the basic breakdown of the numbers in Shelby County so far this year (compared to last year):
• Reported murders — 118 (down from 138)
• Reported rapes — 437 (down from 524)
• Reported robberies — 2,367 (down from 2,668)
• Reported aggravated assaults — 7,723 (up from 7,513)
“One violent crime will always be one too many, but these numbers indicate the needle is moving in favor of increased public safety,” said Shelby County District Attorney General. Amy Weirich. “My hope is that this momentum will continue and result in even better numbers by the end of the year.”
Crime Commission executive director Bill Gibbons said violent crimes need to “decline significantly more, but we are moving in the right direction.”
“The declines are significant, even though most citizens probably don’t yet feel or sense it,” Gibbons said.
