Front Page - Crime was down in Camden in 2009 - Crime was down in Camden in 2009

The Camden Community enjoyed a significant decrease in crime in 2009. According to year-end Minneapolis Police Department CODEFOR statistics released in January, the neighborhoods of Camden saw a 15 percent reduction of Part One Crimes compared to 2008. Except for aggravated assaults, every category of Part One Crime was down, most by double digits. The violent crimes of homicide, rape and robbery were down by 60 percent, 13 percent and 20 percent respectively. Property crimes were also down. Auto theft led the pack with a significant 46 percent reduction, while burglary was down by 14 percent. There were 128 fewer burglaries reported in 2009 and 125 fewer auto thefts.

These decreases reverse the increases reported at the end of 2008. At that time, total Part One Crimes were up by 7 percent attributable almost entirely to a 46 percent jump in burglaries as compared to 2007.

On a percentage basis, the Cleveland neighborhood saw the greatest reduction in Part One Crime at 35 percent, followed by McKinley at 26 percent. Of the seven residential neighborhoods in Camden, Shingle Creek had the fewest overall number of Part One Crimes reported at 135, while Webber-Camden had the most at 418. Their relative rankings remained unchanged from 2008.

In looking at these numbers, and those from earlier years, it's clear that burglary remains the most frequently reported crime in Camden. Burglary topped the charts in each of the last three years, with 777 reported in 2009, 905 in 2008, and 619 in 2007. While burglary remains the most frequently reported Part One Crime in Camden, it is also one that we can all do something about. Understanding and following good home security practices and watching out for each other are the two most effective things we, as citizens, can do to prevent burglary. If you haven't scheduled a free home security survey with the Minneapolis Police Department Crime Prevention Specialist in your neighborhood, consider doing so now. If you see something suspicious, don't hesitate to call 911. For more crime prevention information call the MPD 4^th Precinct at 673-5704.

Working together, the residents and other stake holders in Camden have made great progress in reducing crime and enhancing neighborhood livability. Camden has experienced multi-year declines in homicide, rape, theft, auto theft and arson. This year also saw a drop in robbery and burglary. These gains have come about despite a tough economic climate, rising unemployment and falling government expenditures. They're due, in no small part, to the efforts of individual residents, business owners, neighborhood associations and other local community organizations.

Needless to say, there is still much work to be done. These encouraging statistics probably don't mean much to you if you or a neighbor have been the victim of a burglary or other crime. Even one crime in Camden is one crime too many. Let's all keep working together to make Camden a great community in which to live, work and raise our families.