Continued double-digit summer crime reductions build on 20-year lows in robberies, burglaries and motor vehicle thefts
The month of August in Chicago continued to build upon this summer’s accelerating crime reductions that have been largely credited to the City’s comprehensive all-hands-on-deck approach with community-based organizations, street outreach groups and law enforcement working together to tackle gun violence. As a result of these ongoing efforts, overall violent crime in August was down 15% citywide compared to August 2018.
This month experienced its lowest number of murders and shootings since 2011, sustaining the accelerated crime reductions gained over the final months of summer. Murders fell 23 percent in August compared to last year, building on July’s 31 percent drop in murders compared to July 2018. Shooting incidents are also down 19 percent for August compared to the same month last year. In addition, burglaries were down 30 percent this month compared to August 2018.
Year-to-date figures are equally compelling, with a 9 percent decline in overall crime citywide, driven by reductions in murders (14 percent) and shootings (12 percent) year-to-date.
“There is no better city in the summer than Chicago,” said Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson. “The warmer months can lead to conflicts, but CPD officers continue to work tirelessly to keep all of us safe. Now, no level of crime is ever acceptable, and we will continue to work to drive down crime throughout the city.”