Readers of this blog know that we have been keeping a periodic eye on the violent crime trends in the City of Chicago throughout 2008. The Chicago Police just released their final figures for violent crime in 2008 and the numbers point to a troubling increase in many violent crime categories. There were a total of 510 murders last year. Of those murders, the police believe that 229 of them were gang related. There's at least one estimate that at least 100,000 gang members live in the city. Of the 510 murder victims, 310 had criminal records and 40 percent were killed with guns. There was also an increase in the number of Robbery, Theft and Burglary cases in 2008. The number of murders increased by 14.6 percent, robbery increased by 7.8 percent and burglary was up by 4.8 percent. The total increase in crime was 2.5 percent, the violent crime rate increased by 2.1 percent, and property crimes increased by 2.6 percent. In light of all these increases, there was some good news. Criminal Sexual Assaults, Aggravated Battery and Aggravated Assault decreased in 2008. Arsons were down 9.1 percent.
It will be interesting to see what these numbers look like like in 2009. There is no doubt that we are in the midst of some tough economic times. Generally, crime rates increase during times like these. The Chicago Police have targeted combating gang crime and have set up special units to try to lower the rate of violent crimes.
For more information about the Chicago criminal defense attorneys at Legal Defenders, P.C., visit us at www.thelegaldefenders.com or call us anytime at 1-800-228-7295.
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