Most violent crimes in U.S. cities have returned to pre-pandemic levels, with the exception of shoplifting, according to the 2024 mid-year crime trend report by the Council on Criminal Justice. The report analyzed data from 39 cities and found that out of 12 types of crime, 11 showed lower rates compared to the same time frame in 2023. The spike in violent crimes during the pandemic appears to have subsided, with most crimes now back to 2019 levels.
Homicides are 2% lower compared to the first six months of 2019, and aggravated assault is 0.2% lower. Gun assault is 1% higher than 2019 but 18% lower than 2023. Domestic violence is 8% lower than 2019, and robbery is 15% lower. Carjacking is 68% higher than 2019 but 26% lower than 2023, although caution is advised as only seven cities reported data for carjacking.
Motor vehicle theft, which had been on the rise since 2020, is now down 18% compared to 2023 but still 66% higher than 2019. Shoplifting, particularly “smash-and-grab” incidents, is up 24% compared to 2023, being the only crime to increase. Although the decline in violent crime is encouraging, rates are still higher than the modern low in 2014. Policy makers are urged to implement strategies to further protect lives and prevent violence.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com