SERIOUS CRIME DROPS AS CONNECTICUT REMAINS ONE OF SAFEST STATES
MIDDLETOWN -- Crime in Connecticut continues to trend downward for the most serious crimes, with a decline of 14.1%, when comparing the first three quarters of 2024 with the same period in 2023.
"The news today is good. Most significantly, we are continuing the long-term trend of a safer state for Connecticut residents,” said DESPP Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins.
“Starting today we will release crime statistics on a quarterly basis. We are doing this to drive our decision-making, and to provide crime data faster to Connecticut law enforcement and the residents we serve,’’ Higgins said.
The new quarterly numbers show: •
- Serious offenses declined 14.1%. Each major crime category also declined: 3.5% for crimes against persons, 5.1% for crimes against society, and 18.4% for crimes against property. •
- Notable declines among crimes against persons include a 41.7% decline in murder, a 17.8% decline in rape. •
- Notable changes among crimes against society include a 36.6% increase in animal cruelty crimes. This increase remained consistent throughout 2024. There was also a 19.6% decrease among weapon law violations. •
- Some of the largest declines came from crimes against property. Notable declines include a 44% decline in Fraud, a 19.6% decline in motor vehicle theft, and a 37.5% decline in arson. Wire fraud, one of the few crimes with a notable increase, increased by 15.2%. These increases were most notable in the first half of 2024. “
Our new quarterly analysis will help law enforcement make the right decisions to keep Connecticut safe,’’ DESSP Chief Data Officer Michael Mascari said. “Getting the data out there to the public quarterly will provide awareness to residents in Connecticut about emerging crime trends. Providing data to law enforcement agencies quarterly will enable these agencies to adapt to emerging trends quickly.” The new quarterly numbers are attached. For more information, contact Rick Green, Director of Communications, at richard.green@ct.gov or 860-539-0159.