Chicago’s Shootings and Homicides Are at Historic Lows Compared to Previous Years, but Overall Crime Is Still Rising

Chicago's Shootings and Homicides Are at Historic Lows Compared to Previous Years, but Overall Crime Is Still Rising

The most recent police statistics reveals that gunshots and homicides are dramatically down, even though overall crime is up, seven months after Chicago concluded its worst year in decades.

In July, there were 379 homicides as opposed to 452 during the same time last year, a 16 percent decrease, according to a police department press release. 1,969 people had been shot as opposed to 2,455 during the same period last year, a 20 percent decrease.

Since police started providing more officers and other resources, such as assistance with jobs, housing, and health, to the city’s 15 most hazardous communities, the most serious violent offences have continued to decline.

According to city data examined by the Sun-Times, all but one of those cities had seen a decrease in gunshot victims thus far this year.

Homicides have decreased by almost 26% and shootings have decreased by 33% in the 55 police beats that include many of those communities and account for more than half of the city’s gun violence, according to statistics from the department.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown have cited the decline in gunshots and homicides as evidence the government is tackling a crucial issue as crime is expected to be a major factor in next year’s mayoral election.

But those figures are still significantly higher than they were in 2019, just when Lightfoot entered office, and before the pandemic began.

Although total crime statistics were not included in the police department’s statement, figures published last week showed a 35 percent spike in recorded offences this year. Robberies, break-ins, thefts, and thefts of motor vehicles have all dramatically increased.

According to department data, index crimes—which include some of the most serious offenses—have grown by 26% this year.

In response to the most recent statistics, Brown said: “Improving public safety and engaging every community is an all-in effort and remains a priority for the Chicago Police Department.”

Later on Monday morning, Brown was scheduled to speak to the media at a press conference held at the South Side YMCA (6330 S. Stony Island Ave.).

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