Aurora crime at 22-year low
Crime in Aurora is at a 22-year low, police say, despite a population that has nearly doubled during that time.
Police received reports of 5,377 major crimes last year, the fewest since 1985, when there were 5,277.
With a 2007 population of 170,617, Aurora is the second-largest city in the state.
Police Chief William Powell credits the involvement of the community and dedication of police officers for the improvement.
"I was very pleased when I saw the overall crime decreasing and it just tells me I think we're doing the right thing and heading in the right direction," Powell said.
Looking at long-term trends in the city, violent crime is down 9.7 percent over the past 15 years and 4.83 percent over the past decade. But in the past five years, it has risen 4.96 percent, even though the number of murders and shootings dropped by 54 percent and 55.9 percent respectively during that time.
There were 12 murders in Aurora in 2007, an increase over the unusually low four in the previous year.
Aggravated assaults and batteries were up by about 10.92 percent last year over the previous year, but criminal sexual assaults and robberies dropped by 3.9 percent and 3.37 percent respectively.
The number of property crimes is down 20.5 percent since 1992 and 11.64 percent in the past decade. Over the past five years it has dropped 15.37 percent.
Last year the city focused on taking steps to decrease residential burglaries, police said. Its efforts were rewarded with an 11-percent drop, although nonresidential burglaries increased.
Powell said there has been a departmentwide shift in focus. Instead of simply responding to calls that come in, police are trying to identify individuals causing trouble in the community and are keeping close watch on them.
Mayor Tom Weisner applauded their efforts.
"Aurora is a progressive, vibrant and safe community," Weisner said in a press release. "Even as we continue to grow, our crime is decreasing. Not many cities across the nation experience that."
Powell said 2008 is off to a good start with no homicides through Friday. It has been about a month since there was a shooting, though he knows those statistics could change at any time.
The current downturn in the economy also may play a role in how 2008's statistics play out, he said, potentially driving up domestic violence and theft incidents.
He is asking residents to continue to be vigilant and not to be afraid to call police if they see something suspicious.
As Powell prepares for retirement in April, he said he feels like he's leaving on a high note.
"I honestly see good things for the city and police department," he said. "And if it continues in the same direction the (crime) numbers are going to continue to decrease."