Statistics Show Serious Crime
Declined in Novi in 2006
 
June 7, 2007
 

The economy is down in Michigan, and the FBI reported this week that serious crime is up in Detroit, but serious crime is down in Novi. Statistics from the Novi Police Department show a drop in serious crimes locally from 2005 to 2006, and a crime-solving rate that far exceeds the regional average.

In Novi, several important categories showed significant reductions from 2005 to 2006, including burglary (down 46%), auto theft (down 30%), sexual assault (down 20%) and assault (down 16%).

Two indicators showed an increase - retail fraud (up 17%) and narcotics (up 27%) - both categories local law enforcement doesn't have much control over.

Novi Police Chief David Molloy notes of the increase in narcotics violations, "that is due to the enhanced training our uniform patrol officers have received in locating hidden drugs on traffic stops. When they are stopping cars and making arrests, they are conducting very detailed inventory searches, and we are finding the hidden drugs and weapons. Our undercover operatives continue to successfully investigate narcotics crimes at the street level and at mid to upper echelons of major drug trafficking organizations."

At the same time, Novi's finest report safer streets thanks to an increase in drunk driving arrests (up 7%), liquor law violations (up 60%) and traffic tickets issued (up 25%). Traffic stops were up 30%, and accidents were down 11% in the past year.

Most importantly, notes Chief Molloy, the crime-solving rate for serious crimes was 31% locally compared with a regional average of only 19%.
That means that the Novi Police Department is solving far more crimes
than other agencies.

"We are working very hard to educate our community members on basic crime prevention techniques such as always locking their doors, not keeping valuables stored in the car, and to always report suspicious behavior immediately. The Novi Police Department is committed to working with all community members to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all to enjoy," explains Chief Molloy.

Indeed the numbers show Novi is a safe city, and even as the city continues to grow, crime continues to fall thanks to the work of our fine police department.