(The Center Square) — The Shreveport Police Department’s year-to-date crime report for July showed a decrease in city crime compared to this time last year when looking at homicides, shots fired and shootings.
The SPD provided its monthly crime update to The Center Square upon request, as the department continues efforts to reduce reported crime in the city.
The data showed 20 reported homicides, 1,245 year-to-date shots fired calls, 129 shootings, 687 vehicle thefts, 35 armed robberies, 743 burglaries, 588 vehicle burglaries and 1,617 domestic incidents year-to-date.
Last year, the department reported 37 homicides, 1,621 shots fired calls and 185 shootings year-to-date.
The Center Square spoke to SPD Cpl. Chris Bordelon about the data.
“Our focused efforts, combined with community partnerships, have contributed to a significant reduction in violent crime across the city — including a historic low in shots fired, shootings, and homicides over the past decade,” said Bordelon.
While Bordelon and the department is proud of the progress, there are areas of concern for them.
Sex crimes are still showing an increase. The department reported 292 this year compared to 270 last year. Domestic incidents have also risen from last year’s 1,462 year-to-date reported crime stats.
“Two troubling trends we’ve identified are an increase in domestic violence incidents and a rise in motor vehicle thefts,” Bordelon said. “In response, we are planning a public awareness campaign focused on preventing domestic violence and encouraging citizens to take simple steps — like not leaving keys or key fobs in their vehicles — to help reduce theft opportunities.”
Vehicle thefts rose from 574 to 690 in the past month in Shreveport. This time last year, the department reported 704 vehicle thefts.
Last month, the department reported a continuing decrease in homicides, but sex crimes were steadily increasing compared to historical data over the past few years.
Police Chief Wayne Smith believed this was due to more crimes being reported, rather than more crimes being committed. Smith had conducted research before last month’s report and found sex crimes sometimes go unreported.
“This is one of those categories where sometimes crime goes unreported. We feel that possibly more is being reported to us than has been in the past,” said Smith during his previous update.
“We will continue to take the fight to those who commit violent crimes in our city, and we ask for the public’s help in making Shreveport safer for all,” said Bordelon.
