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Crime is on the way down in Fairburn

By BEN NELMS
bnelms@TheCitizenNews.com

Though not fully operational, Fairburn’s move implement a new accountability policing model is working. Crime statistics reports for June revealed a 39 percent decrease over June 2004 and a year to date decrease of 15 percent despite the city’s rapid growth and the accompanying influx of people.

Figures for index crimes such as aggravated assault, theft, burglary, rape or murder totaled fell significantly. Seventy-four index crimes were committed in June 2004 compared to 45 in June 2005, a 39 percent decrease. Year-to-date index crimes through June were also down, with reports showing 328 crimes in 2004 compared to 280 in 2005, representing a 15 percent decrease.

The most significant of any category with substantial numbers was thefts, falling to 26 in June 2005 compared to 46 in June 2004, a 43 percent decrease. Year-to-date figures showed at 29 percent decrease, with 220 incidents in 2004 compared to 156 in 2005.

“We’ve really made progress with thefts,” Long said. “It appears that the numbers are down because some of the committing the thefts have already been arrested and are in jail.”

Traffic accidents increased during June. Thirty-eight accidents were reported in June compared to 26 during the same period in 2004, for an increase of 46 percent. Accidents in the city’s increased from 11 in June 2004 to 18 in June 2005. Year-to-date totals showed 176 accidents in 2004 compared to 199 in 2005, a 13 percent increase.

Arrests were also up during the two comparison periods. A total of 63 arrests were made during June 2005 compared to 54 in June 2004, a 17 percent increase. More significant, Long said, were the 327 arrests made year-to-date compared to 235 arrests during the same period in 2004, a 39 percent increase.

Long reported the June crime statistics at the July 11 city council meeting. He used the occasion to comment on recent city efforts geared to address crime in the city, such as the June 30 demolition of an abandoned house in the Lightning district that had become a haven for illicit activities.

“The park is cleaner and people aren’t hanging out there as much. And we’re getting cooperation from citizens and city departments. The recent demolition of the crack house is a good example of that cooperation,” Long told the city council. “We’re identifying other problems and we’ll address them. We want citizens to continue and increase their involvement.”