The Advocate reports that the Norwalk Police Department have released crime stats for the year, with the serious crimes (arson, assault, burglary, kidnapping, homicides, auto theft, and sexual assault ) clocking in 2 less than last year.
“Obviously I would like to see the numbers lower, but overall I’m pleased. We did not experience an increase that that other communities have seen,” Police Chief Harry Rilling said. “I think we have ended up rather well this year.”
Five homicides occurred last year, compared with eight in 2005. Automobile thefts declined 31 percent, kidnappings dropped 12 percent and burglaries fell 5 percent.
Serious crimes that increased include arson, which went from eight incidents in 2005 to 10 last year. The number of assaults rose from 863 to 923, while sexual assaults increased from 28 to 42 in 2005.
Mayor Richard Moccia compared the Norwalk figures to a nationwide violent crime increase of nearly 2 percent, according to FBI figures released last week.
“Overall, putting it into context I think we are doing well. If we look at violent crime, it is up nationally 2 percent. Our efforts are paying off,” Moccia said. “Would I like to see less crime? Yes. But I think we are making good progress. The important think is the police are making a lot of arrests when the crimes are committed.”
Violent crimes recorded by the FBI are homicides, aggravated assaults, forcible rapes and robberies. In those categories, Norwalk has mixed results.
While homicides are down 38 percent, aggravated assaults increased from 179 in 2005 to 214 last year. Forcible rapes decreased from nine in 2005 to six in 2006, but robberies went up 33 percent, from 95 to 126.
source: The Advocate, Norwalk bucks trend on crime, By John Nickerson, September 30 2007
