New statistics released last week show that Hennepin County saw a major increase in a wide variety of violent crimes in 2015.
According to the statistics, Hennepin County saw rather large increases in a different types of violent crimes. According to the report:
- Homicides increased by 48 percent in 2015 (62 total).
- Rapes increased by 16 percent (703 reported).
- Aggravated assaults increased 13 percent.
- Muggings remained similar to the 2014 numbers.
- Motor vehicle theft increased 26 percent.
- Overall, violent crime increased 8 percent in Hennepin County in 2015.
The numbers also show that violent crime has steadily been increasing since 2011, when the county recorded a nine-year low in violent crime.
Although violent crimes increased for the fourth consecutive year in Hennepin County, officials did note that some types of crimes fell in 2015. Property crimes fell by 6 percent, and burglaries against businesses fell by 25 percent.
Similar to National Trends
Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek said the numbers from Hennepin County echo the national trends, and that his office is actively working “with our community partners, such as businesses and residents, to develop strategies to ensure residents are engaged in [crime] prevention.”
Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Rebecca Gilbuena echoed Stanek’s sentiments, saying that the public can oftentimes play a crucial role in putting criminal behind bars, and they should speak up of they see something.
