Crime rates in Memphis continue their downward trend

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – A declining trend in reported crimes has city and county leaders cautiously optimistic, but they also say the work isn't done.

In their latest report, the University of Memphis Public Safety Institute and the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission say reported property and violent crimes are declining in Memphis.

Property crimes in the city have seen a significant decline so far this year, particularly vehicle thefts. According to the report, the vehicle theft rate in the city has decreased by about 35% compared to last year. Burglaries also fell nearly 20% and other thefts fell nearly 13%, according to the report.

Executives note that Memphis residents are taking preventative measures to protect their personal property and businesses and that MPD is increasing vehicle theft investigations.

The report said preliminary data from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation shows reported property crimes fell more than 20% and violent crime fell nearly 3% between January and September of this year.

Memphis recorded 399 murders last year – the highest number of murders on record in the last seven years.

Robberies fell nearly 23% and the murder rate fell nearly 12%, according to the report.

There are more than 254 homicides in the city this year, down from this time last year, but city and county leaders say there is more work to be done.

“Gun violence in our city is something we cannot yet celebrate, even though we have seen a decline,” interim Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis said at a town hall meeting in Hickory Hill on Tuesday.

Bill Gibbons, executive director of the Public Safety Institute, president of the Crime Commission and former Shelby County district attorney, notes in this latest report that aggravated assault has increased by more than 2% this year.

“Unless we significantly reduce the number of serious assaults, we will not be able to significantly reduce the overall violent crime rate,” Gibbons said.

Gibbons notes that aggravated assault accounts for over 80% of reported violent crimes. He also says total reported crime is down more than 10% compared to the first three quarters of last year.

Crime data for all of Shelby County is not yet available.

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