The Biggest Story of 2023: Crime is Down
Happy Wednesday, Toledo! Today, I am delighted to share with you some positive news regarding the recent community safety report presented by Chief Troendle. The data shows encouraging progress in our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.
Simply put, in virtually every category, crime stats are down from where they were in 2022. Not only have there been 200 fewer crimes overall, but most notably, as of May 31, homicides are nearly 40% lower than they were at this time in 2022 (14 homicides in 2023 compared to 22 homicides in 2022).
The data* in the table below shows totals from January 1 - April 30.
| Offense | 2023 | 2022 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUTO THEFT | 405 | 395 | 2.5% |
| BURGLARY | 446 | 449 | -0.7% |
| HOMICIDE | 12 | 14 | -14.3% |
| ROBBERY | 107 | 179 | -40.2% |
| SHOOTING INCIDENT | 846 | 740 | 14.3% |
| THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE | 417 | 639 | -34.7% |
| Grand Total | 2,233 | 2,416 | -7.6% |
*Data from 2023 Community Safety Report.
Our police department has taken a multi-faceted approach to address crime in our city. We have implemented proactive crime initiatives such as T.E.A.M. (Toledo Enhancement Area Method) and STOP (STOP the violence) to target areas with high crime rates. Additionally, our Community Services Section has worked tirelessly to establish strong partnerships with the community, enabling officers to build positive relationships with residents.
To bolster our efforts, we have made significant investments in technology. Gunshot detection technology sensors, license plate readers, and safety cameras have been strategically placed throughout the city. By combining modern technology, data analytics, and traditional policing methods, we aim to effectively combat criminal activities.
All of these things, along with a strong period of economic growth, a proactive approach to removing blight, and the community engagement and violence interruption work that is now under the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE) have contributed to the numbers in the table above.
”But wait,” you may be thinking, “what’s going on with shootings?”
The increased incidence of shots reported through the system does not necessarily indicate an actual increase in shots being fired. The only thing that happened is we purchased additional ShotSpotter technology. Just as having more police officers with radar guns on the side of the road might produce more speeding tickets, purchasing more ShotSpotter devices will obviously produce more shots recorded. It doesn't necessarily mean the number of shootings is up.
These positive trends underscore the dedication and hard work of our law enforcement personnel and the collaborative partnerships between the police department, community organizations, and residents like you. Together, we are making a difference and building a safer Toledo for everyone.
But our work is far from over. Even one homicide is one homicide too many, and we will continue to try new things, analyze data, and refine our strategies as we move forward. Let us continue to prioritize safety, foster strong relationships between law enforcement and the community, and work together to make Toledo a city where everyone feels secure and protected.