Every year the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension produces a report that takes a look at crimes trends across the state for the calendar year. Last Friday, the BCA released the crime report for 2021, and it shows that a number of different violent crimes rose last year. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some of the crime trends that are highlighted in the 2021 Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Crime Report.
Violent Crime Spiked
Violent crime numbers spiked in 2021, and while it’s obviously concerning, that mirrors a national trend that was likely partially driven by the coronavirus pandemic and a mass return to social activities in 2021 that provided more opportunities for crime. Here’s a closer look at some of the violent crime statistics for Minnesota in 2021:
- There were 201 murders in Minnesota in 2021, which is a new record high. This is an 8.5% increase from last year, when Minnesota reported 185 murders. There were 117 reported murders in 2019.
- Violent crimes increased 17 percent in 2021.
- The seven-county metro areas saw a greater surge in violent crime, with a 23.9% increase in violent crime in 2021 compared to a 16% increase across the rest of the state.
- There were 779 carjackings in Minnesota in 2021. This is the first year that carjackings were tracked statewide. More than 600 of these carjackings happened in Minneapolis.
- 14,829 vehicles were stolen in 2021, the highest total in 20 years and an 8.5% increase from 2020.
- There was a 22.7% increase in aggravated assaults in 2021.
- The number of rapes increased from 2,222 to 2,472.
- There was a 35% increase in peace officer assaults.
- Officer-involved shootings dropped from 29 to 24.
- Bias-related crimes against someone of a different race, gender, religion or sexual orientation increased in 2021.
- Burglary and larceny crimes dropped in 2021.
Lawmakers Hope To Address Violent Crime Surge
It’s clear that violent crime is headed in a direction that nobody wants, and lawmakers are hoping to address the issue in 2022 and beyond. State and federal authorities have already announced that more resources would be committed to helping combat violent crime in the greater Twin Cities metro area. Additionally, Gov. Tim Walz has already diverted state law enforcement resources, including state troopers and investigators from the BCA to assist metro communities with handling the surge in crime.
Minnesota has a lot of cash it can use to help address the problem, but as has been the trend of late, partisan politics is hurting the common people. Minnesota has a historic $9.3 billion surplus, but talks on how to best use this money for taxpayers fell apart in June, as the Republican-controlled Senate and Democratic-controlled House couldn’t come to any agreements.
As always, if you have been charged with a violent crime, know that you have a lot on the line and would benefit from having a lawyer by your side. We also have resources available if you have been a victim of violent crime, and we can ensure that you get the help you need to deal with the fallout. For more information, or for help with a criminal case, give Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm a call today at (952) 224-2277.
