news-record.com

GREENSBORO – Greensboro has experienced nearly the same amount of crime during the first six months of this year compared with the same period in 2010, according to statistics released by the Greensboro Police Department today.

Overall, crime decreased by 1 percent, police said. In other words, police reported 72 fewer crimes from January to June 2011 than in the same period in 2010.

“It is always difficult to attribute crime reduction to any particular action or strategy,” Chief Ken Miller said in the report.

“However, the GPD recognizes that close cooperation with our communities and the dedication of our employees are essential to successful policing and safer communities. The department continues to focus its efforts and resources on those crimes that have the greatest impact upon our neighborhoods, and pursue those solutions that prove the most effective.”

The number of aggravated assaults and homicides increased from by 5.7 percent. Gun violence declined by 7.8 percent.

Police reported 10 homicides from January to June 2011 compared with four in the same period in 2010. There were 301 aggravated assaults during the six-month period in 2011; 289 in 2010.

Miller said the police have focused more resources on these investigations, resulting in a 12.4 percent increase arrests in these crimes. Arrests increased from 372 in 2010 to 418 in 2011.

The city experienced declines in personal robberies and larcenies from vehicles by 13.4 percent and 16.4 percent, respectively.

The Western Division had the largest decline of the four divisions with an 11.3 percent decrease in crime. Crime in the eastern and southern divisions increased by 4.8 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively.