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2009 Denver Crime Statistics
After three years of double-digit declines, Denver experienced a 6.9% increase in total reported offenses in 2009. Fortunately, Denver remains one of the safest cities of its size in the nation based on recent comparisons of FBI crime statistics and surveys of Denver citizens. Theft from Motor Vehicles (stealing valuables from cars) was a significant problem, rising 29%. Citizen-oriented prevention efforts aimed at reducing valuables left in cars – especially GPS devices, music devices, laptops, and purses/wallets– assisted Denver Police in bringing this increase down from higher peaks earlier in 2009.
Citywide statistics and neighborhood maps showing the percentage change from 2008 are available online at www.denvergov.org/sopa.
In 2009, Part 1 violent crime increased by 2.5% (a net increase of 80 crimes for all Part 1 violent crime categories). Murders reached a nine year low at 38 while sexual assaults increased 21.4% (an increase of 72 crimes). According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) at least one-half of all violent crimes involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator, the victim, or both. Related to sexual assault, alcohol consumption by perpetrators and victims tends to co-occur--that is, when one of them is drinking, the other one is generally drinking as well. Over the past year at least 73% of sexual assaults investigated by the Denver Police Department involved alcohol consumption and approximately 70% of the victims of sexual assaults knew the perpetrators. DPD’s Victims Assistance Unit assists citizens in addressing the impacts of trauma, thus reducing the likelihood of repeat victimization. DPD’s Sex Crimes Unit works with a variety of community partners to reduce the opportunities for these crimes.
Part 1 property crime increased 7.4% (a net increase of 1,471 crimes for all Part 1 property crime categories). Of this, the category Theft from Motor Vehicle (TFMV) rose 29.2% (an increase of 1,711 crimes in this category alone). TFMV is the highest single crime category, accounting for 19.2% of the overall crime in 2009 (7,571 crimes). TFMV is not the same as auto theft, but rather instances of criminals breaking into parked vehicles and stealing easy-to-see valuables such as Ipods, GPS units, purses, wallets, cell phones, and laptops. Almost three times as many GPS units were stolen in 2009 over 2008. DPD maintains ongoing efforts at raising public awareness about the risks of leaving valuables in vehicles. Police District 6, in the city center, initiated a project aimed at reducing TFMV in three precincts through a combination of warning signs in parking lots and in-person officer responses to TFMV incidents. TFMV increased only 4.0% in the targeted area. Other affected police districts responded to the increase with community announcements and door-to-door distribution of flyers in neighborhoods experiencing high TFMV increases. TFMV results improved in the fourth quarter after peaking in the third quarter of 2009, but this crime remains a top concern for 2010.
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Denver Police Department Contact Information
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergency: 720-913-2000
Police District 6
Commander Dilley
1566 Washington St., 720-913-2800
Neighborhood Patrol Officers:
Officers Ryan Nunnelly 720-913-2940 and Tim Goss 720-913-2893
Police District 3
Commander Kroncke
1625 S. University Blvd., 720-913-1300
Neighborhood Patrol Officer:
Tony Burkhardt 720-913-1171
Homeless Outreach Police Officers
Officer Robert Parks and Officer Layla DeStaffany 720-490-0023
RTD Security 303-299-2460
Citizen’s Police Academy Technician Mike Rapp 720-913-6878
Theft from Motor Vehicles up 33%
Police Districts 3 and 6 have been experiencing an increase in Theft From Motor Vehicle crimes (items taken from inside vehicles). Should you see suspicious persons lurking around vehicles call 9-1-1 or the police non-emergency line at 720-913-2000.
As a reminder, here are some tips to prevent theft from motor vehicles:
- Before leaving your car, make sure that there is nothing valuable sitting in plain sight. It is best to just not keep expensive items in your vehicle.
- While obvious, make sure that you roll all of the windows up all the way and lock all the doors.
- If you have an alarm system, use it. If you have to park outside use a steering wheel locking device.
Please contact the police should you, or someone you know fall victim to this crime. Should anything be left behind in the vehicle, by the suspect, i.e. blood, food, clothing, etc. The police need to respond and collect it as evidence.
What can I do to fight crime in my neighborhood?
Crime in our neighborhoods is a longstanding struggle but there are some things that you can do.
1) Report crime that you see! Even if you can't report it until after-the-fact, it is important for the police to know what is happening in your area. For non-emergencies you can call: 720-913-2000.
2) Get to know your neighbors! You and your neighbors are the ears and eyes of your neighborhood. Talk to one another and be sure to report problems to your local Police Districts.
3) Get involved! Find a neighborhood crime fighting group to get involved with. There are many such groups who need good volunteers. You can call our office and we will help you get in touch with one of them.
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