Part I crimes in Midland were down 32.5 percent for the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same quarter in the previous year, according to statistics compiled by the Midland Police Department.
Part I crimes are those most likely to be reported and are serious in nature and/or volume, and are reported to the FBI on an annual basis.
There were 672 Part I crimes reported from January through March of 2017, compared to 996 for the same quarter in 2016 and 912 in 2015. Midland saw drastic decreases in reported assaults, burglaries and larceny thefts, with decreases also in the categories of robberies and motor vehicle thefts. Forcible rapes, which decreased by a total of 22 between 2015 and 2016, raised by 2 in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the first quarter of 2016.
Crime data and statistics are used throughout the year and on an annual basis to identify possible crime trends or spikes in crimes. MPD practices "hot spot" policing to target enforcement efforts in areas of the city that show emerging trends of crime. The department currently has only three vacancies for sworn officers which are expected to be filled in the upcoming police academy.
“We enjoy a positive relationship with the community and our partners, which has been crucial to helping us solve crimes and keep Midland safe,” said Police Chief Price Robinson. “We continue to encourage any victims of crime to reach out to us so we can bring the offender to justice and recover any stolen property as necessary.”
For the entire year of 2016, overall part I crimes were down 1.1 percent compared to the previous year.
| 1st Quarter |
| % Change |
| % Change |
| 2015 | 2016 |
| 2017 |
|
| Criminal Homicide | 1 | 0 | -100.0% | 1 | 100% |
| Forcible Rape | 14 | 8 | -42.9% | 10 | 25.0% |
| Robbery | 17 | 23 | 35.3% | 13 | -43.5% |
| Assault | 84 | 79 | -6.0% | 50 | -36.7% |
| Burglary | 139 | 164 | 18.0% | 91 | -44.5% |
| Larceny | 609 | 675 | 10.8% | 462 | -31.6% |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 48 | 47 | -2.1% | 45 | -4.3% |
| Total | 912 | 996 | 9.2% | 672 | -32.5% |
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Media Contact: Police Chief Price Robinson at 432-685-7103