Chicago Police Release Preliminary April Crime Statistics

Today Chicago Police released preliminary monthly crime statistics for the month of April.  This month’s results mark the 28th consecutive month of crime drops overall and in violent and property index offenses in the City.  The Department reported that total crime was down 7.2 percent compared to crime numbers through April of 2010.  Violent crime in the city dropped 11.6 percent while property crime was down 6.1 percent

One of the more notable drops this month is that of homicide, down 14.2 percent.  Through the end of April, there have been 17 fewer homicides this year than the same time frame last year.  In fact, nearly half of the 25 Districts citywide demonstrated decreases in their homicide numbers and most of those showing double or triple digit reductions.

The broader violent crime statistics were equally impressive.  Every category of violent crime decreased, led by a 17.8 percent decline in the number of Aggravated Batteries.  Aggravated Assault and Robbery declined by 15.6 and 6.7 percent, respectively.  Criminal Sexual Assault was down slightly, declining by 1.8 percent.

Interim Superintendent Terry Hillard indicated that these decreases in violent crime are an encouraging sign during this transitional period.  “It has been my duty since March to keep the Department moving forward and have the Department prepared to move successfully into the future with the new Superintendent,” Hillard said.  “These crime reductions, particularly the reduction in homicide totals, are a testament to the hard work of the men and women of the Chicago Police Department and their focus on the task at hand during a period of change for the city and the department.”

While property crime overall was down 6.1 percent, there were increases in two categories, Motor Vehicle Theft and Arson.  Incidents of Theft dropped by 12.9 percent while Burglary dropped by 4.7 percent.  However, Motor Vehicle Theft was up 20.1 percent and Arson increased 7.7 percent.