Chicago Police Release Preliminary Crime Statistics for May

Consistent Reductions Maintained in Violent Crime, Property Crime and Overall Crime

Today, Chicago Police released preliminary monthly crime statistics for the month of May. This month’s results mark the 29th consecutive month of crime drops overall and in violent and property index offenses in the City. The Department reported that total crime was down 5.9 percent compared to crime numbers through May of 2010. Violent crime in the city decreased 10.2 percent while property crime was down 4.8 percent.

One of the more prevalent drops this month is that of homicide, down 16.3 percent. Through the end of May, there have been 27 fewer homicides this year than the same timeframe last year. In fact, more than half of the 25 Districts citywide demonstrated decreases in their homicide numbers.

The broader violent crime statistics showed similar marked decreases. Every category of violent crime decreased, led by a 16.1 percent decline in the number of Aggravated Batteries. Aggravated Assault decreased by 15.6 percent and Robbery declined by 4.4 percent. Criminal Sexual Assault was down slightly, declining by 2.4 percent.

Acting Superintendent Garry F. McCarthy attributed this decrease in violent crime to the tireless efforts of officers working the streets of Chicago. “Putting cops on the street and giving them the needed resources is central to our mission moving forward,” McCarthy said. “Patrol is the backbone of the department; working hard to strengthen community partnerships through patrol will help to keep these crime statistics going In the right direction, allowing residents to feel safe in their communities” he added.

While property crime overall was down 4.8 percent, there were increases in two categories, Motor Vehicle Theft and Arson. Incidents of Theft dropped by 11.1 percent while Burglary dropped by 1.8 percent. However, Motor Vehicle Theft was up 16.6 percent and Arson increased 11.1 percent.

According to preliminary statistics through the end of May 2011:

Violent Index Crime is down 10.2 percent
Homicide – down 16.3 percent Criminal Sexual Assault – down 2.4 percent Robbery – down 4.4 percent Aggravated Assault – down 15.6 percent Aggravated Battery – down 16.1 percent

Property Index Crime is down 4.8 percent
Burglary – down 1.8 percent Theft – down 11.1 percent Motor Vehicle Theft – up 16.6 percent Arson – up 11.1 percent