TLHCA

Violent Crime in Arlington Down 14 Percent

ARLINGTON, Va. – Crime statistics released today by the Arlington County Police Department show that violent crime in Arlington declined 14 percent in 2007.  There were fewer homicides, robberies and aggravated assaults, offsetting an increase in the number of forcible rapes reported.

At the same time, the County’s overall crime rate rose 1 percent, fueled by an increase in property crimes.  The crime rate—the number of index crimes per 100,000 people—was 2,238 in 2007, up from 2,212 in 2006.  Despite the slight increase, the crime rate in Arlington remains historically low.

“As the drop in violent crime demonstrates, this is a safe community,” said Police Chief M. Douglas Scott.  “I’m very proud of what our officers have accomplished and the tremendous support we get from the community.  We are aggressively attacking the challenge of combating the criminals who break into homes, businesses and cars.  We are working closely with the community to increase awareness and practice good prevention strategies.”

In 2007, there were 383 burglaries, a 6.4% increase from the year before.  More than one quarter of those burglaries were committed by serial burglars who were subsequently arrested.  There were also 3522 larcenies in 2007, a 5.9% increase.  Much of that increase can be attributed to a 45% spike in larcenies from motor vehicles as thieves targeted GPS units and other electronic devices.

On the other hand, there were fewer cars stolen in Arlington than in any year since 1961.  There were 302 vehicle thefts in 2007, down 15.4% from 2006 and down 66.7% over the past decade.

Arlington County Index Crime Statistics