The Midland Police Department has compiled its annual crime statistics for 2016. The following numbers refer to Part I crimes, which are those most likely to be reported and are serious in nature and/or volume:
Crime
| 2015 | 2016 | Increase/Decrease |
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Murder & Manslaughter by Negligence
| 7 | 3 | -57.14% |
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Forcible Rape
| 46 | 24 | -47.83% |
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Robbery
| 61 | 93 | 52.46% |
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Aggravated Assault
| 315 | 294 | -6.67% |
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Burglary
| 656 | 605 | -7.77% |
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Theft
| 2,544 | 2,565 | .83% |
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Auto Theft
| 181 | 185 | 2.21% |
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Total Part I
| 3,810 | 3,769 | -1.1% |
Midland’s Part I crimes decreased by 41 offenses, or 1.1 percent, in 2016.
Decreases occurred in the categories of murder, rape, aggravated assault, and burglary. The department saw a minimal increase in the categories of theft and auto theft. Robberies increased by 52.46 percent, which can be attributed to a spike in convenience store and bank robberies in the last quarter of the year. There were 10 robberies during the last quarter of 2014, 11 in 2015, and 23 in the last quarter of 2016.
MPD continues to use crime data and statistics throughout the year and on an annual basis to identify possible crime trends or spikes in crimes.
The department practices “hot spot” policing to target enforcement efforts in areas of the city that show emerging trends of crime. Recent efforts such as “Cop in a Shop,” the “Lock it or Lose it” campaign, and an increased presence on social media to communicate trends with residents have been employed to proactively fight crime in Midland. The police department continues to keep crime rates relatively low as Midland grows thanks to its partnership with community organizations and dedicated officers and detectives.
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Media Contact: Police Chief Price Robinson