Most major crimes in Aurora are down so far this year compared to the same time period last year, police said today.
Crime fell in five out of seven categories, and some crimes fell at least 20 percent, including homicides, rapes and vehicle thefts.
“I don’t want to make too big of a deal of it, because they may go back up again, but we’re excited,” said Aurora Police Chief Daniel Oates. “(Crime reduction) is a very important priority for me.”
According the statistics, which tracked major crimes from January throughtJune, there have been 12 homicides in Aurora, compared to 15 last year. There have been 98 rapes compared to 133 last year, and 1083 vehicle thefts, compared to 1450. Robberies and aggravated assaults were up from last year, by 2.9 and 4.4 percent.
Oates, who has been on the job seven months, credits the drop to an increased focus on preventative policing, such as sending officers into the community to provide businesses and residents with tips on how to protect themselves.
The department has also placed a higher priority on arresting fugitives, who tend to commit more crimes.
A new team assembled in April to track down fugitives has made more than 150 arrest.
“I think they’ve had a significant effect in helping us cut down on violent crime,” he said. “They’re really responded to my emphasis on crime reduction.”
Staff writer Alicia P.Q. Wittmeyer can be reached at 303-820-1316 or at awittmeyer@denverpost.com.
