The Reno Police Department (RPD) published and released its annual report yesterday. The numbers show that violent crime and property crime are up in most categories.
There was an overall increase in crimes against people of 23.7 percent and a nearly 11 percent increase in crimes against property, from 2013 to 2015, according to RPD.
The number of robberies and assaults increased, and reported rapes have nearly doubled since 2013. RPD data show that there were 70 rapes in 2013 and 136 in 2015.
There were 15 murders in 2015, up from 14 in 2013 but consistent with 15 in 2014.
Property crime appears to have increased less dramatically but larceny theft and vehicle theft are up by hundreds of cases since 2013. Arson was down from 18 in 2013 to 12 incidences in 2015.
In comparison with national data, Reno’s crime rate appears to be growing; whereas, Reno saw an increase of 7 percent from 2013 to 2015, there was a nearly ¼-percent decrease in violent crimes nationally for the same time period.
“This is an exciting time to reside in the City of Reno,” RPD Chief Jason Soto wrote in the report. “With the continued success of our Midtown District, coupled with City Council’s vision of being an event destination to include our Thriving Downtown and University District, along with strong business and outdoor activities, it is a priority of mine to provide the highest level of police services, so that our community will feel safe and involved with their police department.”
No reason was given for the increase in crime, but the data also show an increase in Reno’s population from 232,243 in 2013 to 238,615 in 2015, a rise in more than 6,000 people.
Calls and an email were left for RPD’s PIO and Soto requesting more information. No response was received at the time of publication.
Mayor Hillary Schieve advocated for increased police officers at recent city budget hearings, and said that staffing remains at 1991 levels despite area growth.
“Crime is on the rise. Again, going back to this, I think this is the number one priority in our city,” she said, as reported by Reno Public Radio.
So-called “clearance rates” of solved cases remain mostly under national averages as well. With the exception of arson, most solved crime categorical percentages are lower than national averages. See the charts below for more information.
Read the report here: 2016RenoPoliceDepartment
RPD has launched its annual survey and is requesting feedback from the community about its services. The survey link: http://myrpd.us/survey2016
