An analysis of police statistics revealed that some historically safe South Minneapolis neighborhoods have seen a noticeable uptick in violent crime in the past year.
The Lake Nokomis neighborhood saw the biggest spike in crime, as violent crime rose 26 percent since last year. The community also saw an increase all four crimes that fall under the violent crime category. The four crimes that make up the violent crime category are:
- Murders
- Rapes
- Robberies
Police spokesman John Elder said law enforcement plans to increase patrols in areas where crime has increased.
“We continue to add extra resources to the areas where we have seen this slight uptick in violent criminal activity,” said Elder.
Last year authorities increased patrols and civilian contacts in many North Minneapolis areas that had a higher than average crime rate, and it appears the added presence has been successful. Crime rates dropped in most Northeast and North Minneapolis communities where police intensified enforcement efforts.
“Our initiatives to increase firearms seizures from people not entitled to carry them has paid off and we certainly hope that has kept violent criminal activity increases to a minimum,” added Elder.
Despite the success in some North Minneapolis communities, overall crime is up five percent from last year, with 3,111 violent crimes on record. Police noted that although crime rates increased so far through 2014, the city of Minneapolis is still approaching 30-year-lows. This is consistent with national crime rates, which have also tapered off since the 80s and 90s.
Elder concluded by saying the war on violent crime is a constant, ever-changing battle.
“Every week we reassess where our criminal hot zones are and we continue to increase patrols and adjust shifts to combat these crimes,” Elder said.
Related source: Star-Tribune
