July Crime Update

by DENNIS GEISINGER
published August 4 '08

Larceny theft, the non-violent property crime that is often forgotten or ignored in the community's overall concern over crime, remains No.1 in the reported number of offenses cited in the most recent crime statistics released by the Minneapolis Police Department and Southside neighborhoods in the 3rd Precinct are notable for having the highest number of reported larceny offenses in the city.

Larceny is generally defined as theft outside of the property owner's knowledge—shoplifting, picking pockets, tampering with parking meters or the resurgence of gas station drive-offs. It also covers the con, the swindle, identity and internet theft.

According to police, there were 12,409 reports of larceny in Minneapolis during 2007, more than 60 percent higher than the next largest category of reported crime, simple assault, with 7,682 incidences. The 3rd Precinct topped the larceny list last year at 2,918 cases. So far this year, the Central Neighborhood leads the 3rd Precinct with 107 reported larcenies. Corcoron is second with 100, followed by Powderhorn with 77, Standish with 62, Bancroft 34 and Bryant 24. "Theft or larceny is the most frequently reported crime in the City of Minneapolis," says a police crime prevention flier released this spring. The flier stresses keeping all doors—including all building and vehicle doors—properly locked; items like bikes, laptops, purses and wallets; recording descriptive information including serial numbers of personal items; and networking with neighbors. Proper diligence, say police, is the only way to lessen incidences of a crime that is much more common than other property crimes like robbery, burglary, auto theft or arson."Yeah, it's always been that way" said 3rd Precinct Crime Prevention Specialist, Karen Notsch. "And we've had a lot of car break-ins and things like thefts from lockers in the area recently that have pushed the numbers up," Notsch said.

One recent police alert warned that questions have recently increased about how to respond to someone who comes to the door trying to sell a burglar alarm system. Police say there is an increase in this activity as crime rises, especially in neighborhoods with more violent crime, that residents—especially the elderly and disabled—become increasingly afraid and are easy prey for these sales pitches. According to Minneapolis Police representatives, there are several very good reasons not to trust someone who sells services, products or takes orders for products without a Minneapolis Solicitors License. So, ask to see their license if someone comes to your door try ing to sell you a burglar alarm system.