Toledo Reporter

TOLEDO, OH – Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz today shared promising news regarding crime statistics for Toledo through the end of the third quarter of 2023. The results demonstrate a decrease in crime rates across nearly every category, compared to the same period last year.

From January 1 to September 30, 2023, Toledo saw the following changes in crime statistics:

• Auto Theft: 9.9% increase (919 in 2022 to 1,010 in 2023)
• Burglary: 15.2% decrease (1,209 in 2022 to 1,025 in 2023)
• Homicide: 30.4% decrease (46 in 2022 to 32 in 2023)
• Robbery: 23.1% decrease (389 in 2022 to 299 in 2023)
• Theft From Motor Vehicle: 28.1% decrease (1,580 in 2022 to 1,136 in 2023)
• Persons Shot: 29.7% decrease (195 in 2022 to 137 in 2023)

(All statistics represent the period from January 1 to September 30)

Mayor Kapszukiewicz expressed his satisfaction with the results, noting, "I have said before that, in my judgment, while a number of things have taken place in Toledo, the biggest story of this year has been that crime is down.”

On a national scale, the average homicide rate has fallen by 11.6% through the end of the third quarter of 2023, with Toledo's decrease exceeding this trend. Nearby cities such as Detroit have seen a 9% decrease, and Cincinnati reported a 27% decrease in their homicide rate.

Mayor Kapszukiewicz attributed the progress in crime reduction to a comprehensive plan implemented by the city last December. This plan includes initiatives such as beautifying neighborhoods, investing in youth, attracting business investment, providing housing stability, and fostering community engagement.

"The problem of crime was not caused by any one factor, and it won't be solved by any one thing. It requires a multifaceted approach, including increasing the size of our police force, investing in youth programs, implementing violence interruption strategies, and addressing blight," Mayor Kapszukiewicz emphasized.

Chief Michael Troendle of the Toledo Police Department commended the dedication of law enforcement officers and highlighted the essential role of community cooperation in reporting and intervening in criminal activities. He also shared key achievements in the fight against crime, including an 18.75% reduction in shootings from July 28 through September 30, increasing foot patrols, and leveraging technology for crime prevention.

While the statistics are indeed encouraging, Mayor Kapszukiewicz acknowledged that challenges still persist. A significant achievement this year was the absence of domestic violence-related homicides, a priority that the city has been actively combatting.

Rebecca Facey, Chief Prosecutor for the City of Toledo, emphasized the significance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the city's commitment to addressing this issue. She highlighted the three dedicated domestic violence prosecutors whose day-to-day work helps to combat crime effectively through better prosecution and sentencing.

Looking ahead, Mayor Kapszukiewicz expressed optimism that the positive trends seen this year will continue into January and ultimately lead to a return to normalcy, closer to the 30-year average.

The City of Toledo is committed to maintaining this positive trajectory in reducing crime, building safer communities, and ensuring the well-being of its residents.

Original source can be found here.