Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Violent Crime in Arlington Down 8.3 Percent
Overall crime rate drops 3 percent
ARLINGTON, VA — Violent crime in Arlington declined 8.3 percent in 2009, the Arlington County Police Department announced today. Crime statistics show that there were fewer homicides, forcible rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults.
The County’s overall crime rate dropped 3.7 percent, despite an increase in property crimes. The crime rate—the number of index crimes per 100,000 people—was 2,413 in 2009, down from 2,507 in 2008. Arlington’s crime rate remains historically low despite the economic downturn.
“This is very good news for our community,” said Arlington County Board Chairman Jay Fisette. “In these tough economic times, to see a drop in the overall crime rate, and a significant drop in the violent crime rate, is more evidence that Arlington is a safe place to live – and getting safer.”
“Our officers have accomplished a great deal in the past year combating crime in Arlington and receive notable support from the community,” said Police Chief M. Douglas Scott. “We continue to enjoy a close working relationship with the community to increase awareness and the practice of good crime prevention strategies.”
In 2009, there were 319 burglaries, an 18% decrease from the year before. There were also 4,140 larcenies in 2009, a 0.5% decrease. The low amount of the decrease can be attributed to a spike in larcenies from motor vehicles parts and pick pocketing. There were also 297 vehicles stolen in 2009. Vehicle theft in Arlington County has not been that low since the early 1960s.
Note: Index crimes—homicides, forcible rapes, robberies, aggravated assaults, arsons, burglaries, larcenies and vehicle thefts—are the eight categories generally used by law enforcement as a standardized measure of the incidence of crime. Arsons in Arlington are investigated by the Fire Marshal and are not reported by the Police Department.
Press contact: Detective Crystal Nosal, 703-228-4331
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
