Crime Trends During The COVID-19 Pandemic

During a time of the shelter in place order that was put into effect by Gov. Doug Ducey on March 31, there was a shift in crime trends that took place in Tempe.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the reports of domestic violence, motor vehicle theft, and theft of property within motor vehicles. Various reports of domestic violence spiked during the month of April when most businesses, shops, services, and resources were shut down. There was a correlation between the number of increasing domestic abuse reports and the increasing time of the shelter in place order.

On May 22, police arrived on the scene of a domestic violence call. After police arrived at the scene, the domestic violence suspect allegedly charged towards the officers resulting in the shooting of the suspect. This domestic violence call is one of many that took place during the months of April and May.

In an interview with Detective Greg Bacon who has been serving the Tempe Police Department for the past 16 years, as a Detective and a Public Information Officer in the media relations unit, Bacon confirmed there has been an increase in these three crimes but also emphasized that there has been a decrease in other crimes.

Aside from domestic violence crimes, with the closing of all non-essential stores, reports of shoplifting crime had decreased. However, with very minimal need to leave the house, vehicles remained sitting for long periods of time which caused theft of some vehicles and property theft of others.

Bacon reminds individuals to not keep valuables located inside of vehicles and to be extra cautious of individuals who have suspicious behavior in the neighborhood or area where the vehicle is being left for long amounts of time. As well as the resources for victims of domestic violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE. (800-799-7233)

The Tempe Police Department is navigating through COVID-19 in a safe manner. In response to the question of how the officers are responding to calls while keeping safety a priority, Detective Bacon responded, “Our officers have responded to calls in a similar manner than pre-COVID-19; however, our officers are utilizing PPE more than they have pre-COVID-19”.

Crime trends during COVID-19 have increased in some areas while decreasing in others. The crime trends that rose, domestic violence and vehicle and property of vehicle theft, are assumed to decrease now that Tempe is re-opening and there are more resources available and less stagnant vehicles left out. When responding to the crime calls that the Tempe Police Department is getting, proper personal protective equipment is being used to protect the officers as well as the individuals they are approaching.