Town of Leland’s Crime Rate Plummets

In the Midst of Unprecedented Growth

 

April 10, 2007

 

LELAND – According to Police Chief Osey Sanders the Town of Leland’s crime rate has dropped in recent years, even in the midst of the town’s unprecedented growth.  Violent crime has dropped 20 percent, property crimes are down 19 percent and the overall crime rate is down 19 percent. 

 

Even more noteworthy than the percentage decrease is the fact that the actual number of crimes committed in several categories has dropped, even as the town’s population has increased by approximately 400% in the past five years:

·         There was one homicide in 2005, none in 2006;

·         Five robberies were reported in 2005; two in 2006;

·         In 2005, 232 larcenies were reported, compared to 196 in 2006;

·         Motor vehicle theft dropped from twelve in 2005 to eight in 2006;

·         417 total crimes were reported in 2005, compared to 339 in 2006.

 

“Our department is committed to ensuring that Leland continues to be a safe, friendly place to live, even as our town experiences unprecedented growth,” says Sanders.  “Everyone in our department is gratified to see that our efforts are paying off.  The fact that crime has decreased while our population has increased is a testament to the hard work, professionalism and commitment of our police officers.” 

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