Hey! What can I say? I needed a catchy title to discuss the weekly summary reports from the Christiansburg Police Department. Although, the police department is subject to some of the most complex Freedom of Information Laws around, they get it right! I have been receiving a summary crime report from them and have been posting those online at the above link.
I have also put that data into a spreadsheet form that allows me to watch for trends and to keep track of totals. Unfortunately, the trends do not mean a whole lot because of the fact that there are some seasonal trends that would have to be monitored over several years to be of any real use.
However, there are a few trends that I find a bit troublesome even without the longitudinal data to make them significant. In recent months, there has been an increase in Assaults, Drug Violations, Drunk In Public, DUI, Larceny, Shoplifting, and Vandalism. More importantly, to me, is the increase in the number of crimes involving the possession of alcohol by those who are underage (36 incidents). Unfortunately, there isn’t much for youth to do around Christiansburg unless they participate in some form of organized sports. Anyway, the top crimes thus far this year?
The Yearly Totals for the Crime Reports show that the highest rates are:
- 201 Assault
- 80 Break and Enter
- 77 Drug Violations
- 152 Drunk In Public
- 78 DUI
- 90 Fraud
- 61 Intimidation
- 258 Larceny
- 138 Shoplifting
- 118 Vandalism
This is only a portion of the incidents in the reports. Given the potential for violence in many of these situations, we should be appreciative of the work done by the Police Department of the Town of Christiansburg.
The patterns of increases over the course of the year should come as no surprise to anyone who is aware of the relationship to crime and the economy. No matter how good they are, the Police Officers are only one part of the solution. A major component that is often not discussed is YOU and ME! If you see something unusual in your neighborhood, report it. If you see someone who appears to be driving in an unsafe manner, report it. Get to know your neighbors and your neighborhoods. If you are going to drink, then do so responsibly. If you have a friend that is drinking, don’t let them drive!
It is a lot easier to look the other way, to not get involved…but, is it the right thing to do? Is it how you would want others to respond if you, your family, or your home were the target of such crimes?
Keep up the good work Christiansburg Police Department!
