Sugar Land crime rate falls to record low - Chron.com

By Kristi Nix, knix@hcnonline.com

Published 11:38 am, Monday, March 12, 2018

Photo: City Of Sugar Land

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The city of Sugar Land has reported a record decrease in crimes in the city in its latestÂ Annual Crime Report.

Photo: City Of Sugar Land

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The city of Sugar Land has reported a record decrease in crimes in the city in its latestÂ Annual Crime Report.

Photo: City Of Sugar Land

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After last year achieving the lowest crime rate in 20 years, Sugar Land officials now report the 2017 crime rate decreased even further to a record-setting level, according to the recently released Annual Crime Report.

Already boasting a 2016 rate more than half the state average and 44 percent lower than the national average, the 2017 crime rate decreased by approximately 10 percent as compared to 2016.

The reasons for the historical decrease can be traced to advanced technology, a commitment to training for police officers, public education, department leadership, community partnerships and a strong police presence, according to Sugar Land Police Chief Doug Brinkley.

"Despite our historic low crime rate, we will remain proactive and continue our focus to remain one of the safest cities in the nation," Brinkley said in a news release. "This will include continued resources such as a special impact team to address burglaries and educational efforts intended to ensure our citizens remain safe."

Violent Crimes

As compared to 2016, Sugar Land's violent crime rate decreased 22 percent last year and fell below the state and national average by more than 80 percent, according to preliminary information released by the Federal Bureau of Investigations Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Overall, the U.S. crime rate experienced a decrease of 0.8 percent in the number of violent crimes brought to their attention for the first 6 months of 2017 when compared with figures reported in 2016.

The violent crime category includes murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.

Property Crimes

Sugar Land's property crime rate decreased 9.5 percent last year as compared to 2016. Property crimes include burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. Arson is also a property crime, but data for arson is not included in property crime totals due to fluctuations in reporting, officials said.

The overall 2017 crime rate, which includes reports of homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, aggravated assaults, burglaries, thefts and auto thefts, totaled 1,384 (15,74 incidents per 1,000 residents), a decrease of approximately 10.7 percent from last year's total of 1,532 (17.54 incidents per 1,000 residents).

Statistics indicate family violence accounted for 31 percent of aggravated assaults. City officials report shoplifting represented 37 percent of all thefts and the majority of vehicle burglaries occurred at fitness centers where valuables were often left in plain site or in unlocked vehicles.

Looking forward, police officials plan a citywide expansion of the Crime Prevention Camera program, which uses license plate recognition cameras at entrances to the city to deter crime.

Other improvements scheduled for next year include online crime reporting enhancements, the creation of a parks security master plan; and a continued focus on residential burglaries, robberies and vehicle burglaries. Chief Brinkley said the department will also continue to focus on building relationships within the community.

"We are committed to a leadership role in building community partnerships," Brinkley said. "It's important for us to stay connected to the community, which enables us to work together to create a safe environment to live and work."

For more information about the Sugar Land Police Department, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/113/Police-Department

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