DETROIT – The year 2020 has been a year unlike any other with an increase in some crimes committed.
“We ended the year with the following increases: Homicide, 327 (in 2020), compared to 274 in 2019, aggravated assaults, 12,003 compared to 9,920,” said Detroit Police Chief Craig during a press conference.
Additionally, Craig said there was an increase in fatal and non-fatal shootings. He blames the uptick on the coronavirus pandemic.
READ: DPD Chief: Overall Detroit crime fell in 2020, but homicides up
“It’s clear that the pandemic was the single most factor in driving violence in our cities, including here in Detroit,” he said.
Overall, crime is up 13%; however, that seems to be the case nationwide with other cities seeing an increase as well.
“Seattle saw a 54% increase. Boston saw a 52% increase,” Craig said.
Other the other hand, rape cases are down, as well as robberies.
“We saw double digit reductions of sexual assault -- 36% reduction,” Craig said.
Craig said the stats for 2020 are far worse compared to the late 1980s and 1990s.