Burglaries and thefts show biggest increases, assaults down
By BECKY THOMAS
Staff Reporter
Criminal activity in Cheney this year was up 12.3 percent through June.
According to Monthly Accountability Reviews from the Cheney Police Department, there have been 402 crimes committed in the city so far in 2012, up from 358 through June 2011.
Assaults, motor vehicle thefts, alcohol offenses and domestic violence were down slightly in 2012, but the most frequent crime, theft, was up 22.6 percent, with nearly 30 more thefts committed so far this year than in 2011.
Burglary was up 81.5 percent, with 49 so far in 2012 over 27 the first half of 2011. Drug offenses were also on the rise, with 28 so far in 2012 compared to 19 the first half of 2011, a 47.4 percent increase.
CPD Cmdr. Rick Campbell said that the increase was not specific to Cheney, pointing to continued property crimes issues in the county.
“We are looking at the incidents that are reported to determine which are related to one another and being perpetrated by a small group or single individual and then targeting those suspects for enforcement action,” he said.
While Campbell said the increase in crime was concerning, he noted that the increase in drug offenses in the MAR could be a symptom of tougher enforcement.
“The re-emphasis on drug enforcement by the department has resulted in an increase in arrests, which is subsequently reflected in the rise in numbers presented in the MAR,” he said.
May and June saw high numbers of criminal activity in Cheney, with 87 crimes reported in May and 86 in June. Previous months' activity totals ranges from 53-60 per month.
Calls for service were by about 50 compared with the first half of 2011, and misdemeanor arrests were up 236 over 216 in 2011. However, felony arrests were down to 40 compared with 51 in 2011.
Traffic enforcement has increased significantly so far this year, with 1,273 contacts through June—a 39 percent increase over 2011—resulting in 268 citations—a 30 percent increase over 2011.
The Cheney Police Department releases a MAR each month. The document is available for public viewing at department headquarters, 215 G Street, or by calling 498-9235.
Becky Thomas can be reached at becky@cheneyfreepress.com.
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