Authorities say it could be due to COVID-19.
Frederick, Md (KM) Part I crimes in Frederick declined by 20-percent last year. Police say there were 1,388 Part One offenses in 2020 which include homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, stolen vehicles and arson. That compares to 1,674 in 2019. .
Authorities also says violent crimes dropped to a five-year low of 250 in 2020. Violent crimes include homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
Frederick Police say Part I crimes have ben going down annually since 2012, when there were 2,280 such offenses.
In 2020, officers made 2,657 total arrests, which is down from 5,004 in 2019. .
COVID-19 is believed to have helped bring down crime last year, police say. But officers responded to more than 94,000 calls for service in 2020. That’s in line with the average number of calls in 2011.
The Department says it anticipates the possibility that crimes could increase as coronavirus restrictions ease, and more people are out in the public. But police say they will continue to use effective strategies to keep residents and the community safe.
In a statement, authorities thank residents who continue to report in tips when they have information.
Anyone who wants to report information in an incident can call the Tip Line at 301-600-TIPS (8477). They also send text messages to 240-674-TIPS (8477). E-mails are also welcome at [email protected].
By Kevin McManus