News

Burglaries, thefts drop by more than 33% in city

By Bill Moss, Published: June 10, 2015

Crime dropped in five out of six categories in Hendersonville from 2013 to 2014, according to figures complied by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

The city had big drops in particular in larcencies, burglaries and car thefts.

Larcenies dropped by 232, from 691 to 459, or 33 percent. There were 48 fewer burglaries, from 113 to 65, a 42 percent drop; and 18 fewer car thefts, from 47 to 29, a 38 percent decline.

The Uniform Crime Reporting data gives the state and the nation information on fluctuations in the level of reported crimes. The UCR Program divides offenses into two classifications: Part 1 includes murder and non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft and arson. Part 1 offenses, excluding negligent manslaughter and arson, are used to calculate the Crime Index and Crime Rate.

Hendersonville Police Chief Herbert Blake used the release of the report to remind residents of precautions they can take to prevent crime.

"For example, just within the past weeks, some people are leaving their vehicles unlocked throughout the city," he said. "At times the vehicles’ windows are also left down, resulting in them becoming an easy target for larcenies from their vehicles. Again, public safety is a joint effort that involves the public. Citizens can refuse to be an easy victim by securing their automobiles; and by not leaving anything of value in them.

"I will add that if someone calls you and tells you that you won a prize in a contest that you did not enter, but you have to pay some sought of fee to claim the prize; you didn’t win a prize. Hang your phone up; and don’t share any personal information with that caller. Finally, to help prevent burglaries, please remember that burglars tend to look for crimes of opportunity. They pick what appears to be an easy target. So always keep your doors and windows locked day and night. Try not to leave your garage door open."

He also emphasized the department's commitment to the community and professional law enforcement at a time when "bad policing" has tainted the public's view of law officers in some cities.

"Finally, bad policing by some police departments and their officers in other jurisdictions has significantly tainted how many citizens throughout our country view police today," he said. "But I, confidently believe that the Hendersonville Police Department is staffed with a team of very professional, well trained, and deeply committed public servants that choose to serve in this city. Along with our many observant and civic minded citizens, I think our staff’s efforts are reflected in this recent overall reduction in part one crime as reported in this latest UCR.”