FBI Releases New Crime Stats For Lower Merion Township

LOWER MERION, PA — New FBI data says violent crime decreased nationwide from 2017 to 2018. But how many crimes – and what types – took place in Lower Merion Township?

The FBI recently published its final analysis of "Crime in the United States, 2018," finding the estimated number of violent crimes in the United States fell 3.9 percent compared to 2017. The nationwide drop in violent crime represents the second straight annual decrease after increases in 2015 and 2016.

Statistics show that Lower Merion crime rates were very similar in 2018 to what they were in 2017.

The report is only a snapshot in time, and isn't an accurate indicator of larger, sustained trends, the FBI cautions.

The FBI estimated that nationwide, there were 368.9 violent crimes for every 100,000 U.S. residents last year.

Lower Merion had a population of 59,262 and saw 32 violent crimes; that's compared to a population of 58,354 in 2017, a year which saw 39 violent crimes.

Here are some notable findings for the municipality, with 2017's numbers in parentheses:

Murder and non-negligent manslaughter: 1 (0)

• Rape: 2 (4)
• Robbery: 18 (20)
• Aggravated Assault: 11 (15)
• Property Crime: 973 (1,035)
• Burglary: 110 (94)
• Larceny-theft: 815 (894)
• Motor vehicle theft: 48 (46)
• Arson: 3 (0)

Comparatively, nearby Radnor had 31 violent crimes, Haverford 24, and Conshohocken 5.