Stats show crime in the city on decline

There was a slight decrease in arson.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — Overall, crime in the city dropped 13 percent for the first half of the year, compared with the first six months of 2007.

“I see it as a major community effort, a police partnership with the community,” Police Chief Jimmy Hughes said of the reduction.

Among others, the chief credited the five officers assigned to community policing for their efforts in reducing crime. He said they listen to block watch concerns and then follow up, passing information to other units.

Hughes also credits work done by officers working grant-funded patrols for the overall reduction in crime. The K-9 Unit with police dogs, he said, also has had a significant impact.

The chief said he can’t overlook the jail, once limited in capacity, now being able to hold more inmates.

Crimes that increased were homicides, up 13 percent, and motor vehicle theft, up 7 percent.

There were 15 homicides at the end of June 2007 and 17 at the end of June this year. The yearly total so far is 18, with a shooting death recorded last weekend.

There were 204 vehicle thefts through the second quarter, up from 191 at this time last year.

The statistics were released Thursday by the Youngstown Police Department.

Rapes dropped from 38 to 26, a 32 percent decrease. Robberies fell from 143 to 104, a 27 percent drop.

Felonious assaults also declined, with 187 recorded at this time last year to 166 through June.

There were 642 burglaries, down from 734. The decrease is 13 percent.

Thefts declined 18 percent — going from 923 to 760.

Arson had a slight decrease, 2 percent. The city recorded 129 intentionally set fires through June 2007 and 126 for the same period this year.

“I attribute the drop to zero tolerance, the extra patrols,” said Councilwoman Carol Rimedio-Righetti, D-4th. “All the grants put more police on the streets. I think two in a cruiser is a good idea, too, no waiting for backup. Plus, the K-9 Unit is accessible any time of the day.”

Rimedio-Righetti said she’s excited to know that crime has gone down.

The councilwoman said having police officers attend block watch meetings and react to complaints helps reduce crime.

“When people say ‘only in Youngstown’ it’s not true; crime is an issue everywhere,” she said.

Without the “horrific” death of six members of the Crawford family in an East Side arson, the homicide rate would be below last year at this time, said Councilman DeMaine J. Kitchen, D-2nd.

“I don’t think you can pinpoint one thing,” Kitchen said, adding that the zero-tolerance approach is working. “Police are mixing it up a little. The mayor, chief and council are working together — it’s a team effort. Hopefully we can continue the trend.”