Monday, May 20

Is Violence Getting Worse in Your Neighborhood?

BY: Anthony Flournoy

As a resident of Montgomery, Alabama many would want to know if they were safe in the areas that they live in. A lot of people in this city have families and other loved ones that reside in it.  There are many violent crimes that occur every day here in Montgomery. So, it is best for families and individuals to know what areas have a higher volume of crime. Montgomery happens to have one of the highest crime rates in America compared to communities of all sizes. The types of crimes committed consist of robbery, assault, murder, burglary, vehicle theft, and many others. In this year alone, there have been over 10,000 reported incidents of crime and violent crime. 

Violent crimes consist of murder & manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Property crime is consisted of burglary, theft, vehicle theft, and arson. If crime is ranked on a scale of 1-100 (low crime to high crime), Montgomery’s violent crime rate is at a 33.9 (The US average is 22.7). Montgomery’s property crime is at a 61.7(The US average is 35.4). Montgomery is even in the FBI’s Top 100 crime list. With Montgomery’s population being 200,194 it ranked 22nd in homicides, 65th in property crimes, and 77th in overall crime. Out of 289 cities with a population of more 100,000 people, Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, and Montgomery are ranked amongst FBI’s Top 100 for overall crime.

Compared to the crime rate of Montgomery in 2018 has increased slightly. There have been 88 more vehicle thefts, 11 more assault incidents, and 142 more robberies this year than in 2018. Although some crimes have increased, Burglary percentages have dropped dramatically. With all of these incidents that happen in Montgomery, it is ideal that its residents know of their surroundings so that they can better protect their loved ones.