The Cincinnati Police Department is tracking an increase in violent crime this year.
Police Chief Eliot Isaac addressed the Law and Public Safety Committee Tuesday morning.
Isaac said there have been 28 homicides so far, a 115% increase when compared to the same time last year.
Violent crimes increased 18%, and shootings are up 52% when compared to the same period in 2019.
"It is taking place throughout the city, however, we are seeing a significant increase on the west side of town," Isaac said.
Some other crime statistics comparing 2020 to 2019:
- Auto thefts increased 31.1%
- Personal/other thefts decreased 2.2%
- Burglary/breaking and entering decreased 2.5%
- Theft from autos decreased 16.7%
- Aggravated assaults increased 20.9%
- Robberies increased 31.1%
- Rapes decreased 30.4%
The chief said reported domestic violence offenses increased in January and February, but declined slightly in March and are down significantly so far in April.
Isaac said the department is working on strategies to address the violence, but part of that involves what he calls natural surveillance.
"The partnerships that we've had with community, I believe, has helped us reduce crime over the last several years," Isaac said. "This is where we would be asking and encouraging community members to be out, to be visible in their communities, to take ownership of their communities, to partner with us in events and activities. Under this stay-at-home order, that's very difficult."
Isaac said there hasn't been a significant decline in calls for service during the coronavirus pandemic.
