The ups and downs

of Boone crime
By Melanie Davis
melanie@mountaintimes.com

The Boone Police Department has released its 2007 annual report for crimes occurring within the city limits.
There were some substantial increases in a few areas — the most notable being burglary of a business. This category saw an 82 percent increase, with 20 reported in 2007.

Police chief Bill Post said, “Many of these break-ins were of a different nature than we've experienced in the past, in that some of these show some level of sophistication. It is hoped some recent arrests will impact the number of break-ins.”

Post is referring to several breaking and entering reports which had some similarities. There have been arrests made, though the suspects themselves have not been charged with multiple incidents.

Robberies doubled, with four reported over the last year. Other increases included a 37 percent jump in motor vehicle breaking and entering (111 reported) and a 9 percent increase in noise complaints (1,093).

Driving while impaired arrests increased by 20 percent with 179 arrests. Driving while impaired on a provisional license also saw a jump in arrests. There were 60, representing a 43 percent increase over 2006.

There were 23 percent fewer drug- and alcohol-related vehicle crashes (48).

“In 2006, DWI arrests were down and traffic-related crashes were up. The police department established the goal of increasing arrests and impacting the crash rate,” Post said.

The number of collisions decreased across the board; with crashes causing only property damage decreasing by 1 percent (1,135), and personal injury collisions decreased by 9 percent (95).

The largest crime decrease was in the category of rape. One was reported last year— compared to five in 2006 — and marked an 80 percent decrease over 2006.

Assaults also declined. Aggravated assault dropped 38 percent (13) and misdemeanor assault dropped 20 percent (90).

“While the numbers of assaults were down a good deal, this reflects more of a spike in 2006. The number of assaults in 2007 is more reflective of the historical occurrence of these incidents,” Post said.

Residential burglar decreased by 10 percent (35) and motor vehicle theft decreased by one, with 16 reported thefts throughout the the year. Vandalism declined by 5 percent (188).

“While the number of vandalisms has remained relatively stable in the last several years, the amount of graffiti in town has increased dramatically,” Post said. “This graffiti does not appear to be gang related. While the police department has made several arrests for graffiti, it remains a high enforcement priority for the department.”

There were no reported murders or arsons in 2006 or 2007.

Some statistics within the department are also included in the annual report. There were no personnel injuries last year, compared to one reported in 2006. Training hours were increased by 8 percent for officers.

“Boone remains a relatively safe place to live. We continue to enjoy tremendous cooperation and assistance from community members. This is a big help to us in solving crimes and we all benefit from this positive relationship,” Post said.