FBI Releases New Crime Stats For West Chester

WEST CHESTER, PA — New FBI data says violent crime decreased nationwide from 2017 to 2018. But how many crimes – and what types – took place in West Chester?

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 West Chester's violent crime rates dropped in 2018 from 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. West Chester had a population of 20,299 and saw 37 violent crimes; that's compared to a population of 20,183 in 2017, a year which saw 50 violent crimes.

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

• Murder and non-negligent manslaughter: 1 (0)
• Rape: 7 (11)
• Robbery: 11 (18)
• Aggravated Assault: 18 (21)
• Burglary: 46 (36)
• Larceny-theft: 244 (260)
• Motor vehicle theft: 19 (8)
• Arson: 0 (0)

With reporting from the Patch national desk.