Martinsville experienced a reduction in crime last year, according to a recent annual report. Data indicated a more than 19 percent overall decrease in 2023, and a 6 percent decrease in violent crime.
The report noted by the Martinsville City Police Department examined crime trends over the past few years and also contains some statistics to give residents an insight into the work that the police department has been doing to lessen the number of drugs entering the community.
While there were three more homicides in 2023 than in 2022, the overall number of violent crimes has decreased from 208 cases to 198 cases. Two of the biggest reductions were robbery, with eight fewer cases than last year, and simple assault and intimidation, with 11 fewer cases than last year.
Aggravated assault increased by two cases, from 35 in 2022 to 37 cases in 2023; sexual assault and abduction also saw a slight increase, from 14 cases in 2022 to 18 cases in 2023, according to the report.
The reduction in property crimes was even larger, from 295 cases in 2022 to 207 cases in 2023 – a reduction of 88. Burglary was reduced from 30 cases in 2022 to 22 cases in 2023. Motor vehicle theft also dipped from 26 cases in 2022 to 15 cases in 2023.
Larceny cases, in particular, showed a sharp decrease, from 238 cases in 2022 to 168 cases in 2023. Arson increased slightly, from a single case in 2022 to two cases in 2023.
The total crime in 2022 was 503 cases, while the total crime in 2023 was lower at 405 cases. Overall, in 2023, the data suggested a 19.28 percent reduction in total crime.
Crime has been steadily decreasing in the city since 2022, but there was a slight uptick in motor vehicle crashes in the past year. In 2023, there were a reported 301 motor vehicle crashes. That was an increase from the 246 reported in 2022. The incidents resulted in one fatality and 83 injuries in 2023.
Drug offenses declined, from 212 offenses in 2022 to 124 defenses in 2023. The department reported it collected more than 500 pounds of prescription medication during its drug takeback program, which residents can safely dispose of unwanted/unused prescription medicine.
In addition, officers participated in a number of community outreach programs last year, with a sampling that includes a catalytic converter marking event, Fast Track, and the Neighborhood Resource Officer program.
The department will continue its efforts to reduce crime and continue community outreach efforts to engage and involve the community.
