Data Shows Crime Fell in Saint Paul in 2016

There were fewer aggravated assaults, robberies and thefts in Saint Paul last year, according to preliminary data released by the Saint Paul Police Department. The data measure Part I offenses, which includes violent crime such as homicide, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Overall, Part I offenses appear to have decreased by 2.4 percent.

Because the data is based initial incident information that does not include a final assessment of victims or unfounded reports of crime, it is possible that the final percentage could change slightly when it is submitted to the FBI for Uniform Crime Reporting purposes later next month, according to a news release.

According to the data:

• Violent crimes against persons fell by 8.2 percent
• Aggravated assaults fell by 8.4 percent
• Robberies fell by 2.2 percent
• Theft fell by 7.4 percent
• Rapes fell by 13.6 percent
• Incidents of homicide fell by 4.5 percent.

The city did experience more auto thefts (up 6.9 percent), residential burglaries (up 3.2 percent) and commercial burglaries (up 30.1 percent). In addition, reports of firearms discharges went up 28.6 percent.
Saint Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell credits exceptional police work and community engagement for the reduction in crime, but notes that there is still work to do.

"We are more efficient and effective when we have the community’s support and cooperation," Axtell said in a statement. "That’s why our officers are working hard to build relationships, build trust and solicit the public’s assistance in helping us prevent crime and solve cases more quickly when they occur."

Axtell said he is concerned about the increase in firearms discharges and that the department will be moving five new officers to the Gang and Gun Unit later this month to help address the issue.

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