Police Chief Chris Perkins briefed Roanoke City Council on the 2010 Crime Report Monday morning . Overall, it shows crime was down 4.26 percent from 2009 to 2010. From 2004 to 2010, overall crime was down 22.86 percent.
Traffic crashes also saw a decrease over time. In 2005, there were 2,592 crashes in Roanoke. In 2010, there were 1,754. Last year, there were six traffic fatalities, mainly the result of drinking and driving as well as speeding.
The city saw increases in certain types of crimes. They include:
Fraud +16.22 percent
Counterfeiting/Forgery + 55.80 percent
Domestic Aggravated Assault +45.90 percent
Suicides/Mental Health +28.18 percent
Roanoke's Police Chief believes the state of the economy may be a reason why for those increases. Chris Perkins told News 7 "it's a correlation and I can't say for sure it's the economy that's the caustion but it's something that we gotta be aware of and when I pointed it out some white collar crime statistics earlier those are up and so we gotta do an education piece, crime prevention is about to take place."
Chief Perkins told Roanoke City Council domestic violence will be a top priority this year. Officers will also take training to better deal with mental health issues. The department also plans to use social media more to update the community about crimes and crime prevention in the city.
