Area nonviolent crime surged in 2006

Despite a recent trend in a violent crime upswing nationwide, it appears that at least for now Albemarle County has dodged the bullet—perhaps even a few of them. Newly released crime statistics show that the county saw a decrease in reported aggravated assaults and rapes (and no homicides) in 2006, while in Charlottesville violent crimes were kept in check with previous years, with no major fluctuation either way.

But it’s the nonviolent crime that has police troubled, since those numbers are on the way up. Statistically speaking, 2002 and 2003 and were lull years for nonviolent crime in the county and city, meaning burglaries, larcenies, robberies and even motor vehicle theft. Not anymore. Countywide, about 90 more burglaries occurred last year than in 2005 (a 30 percent increase) and nearly 50 more in the city (an 18 percent increase). Larcenies also jumped in Charlottesville to 1,743 in 2006 from 1,518 in 2005. Albemarle County went to 1,763 from 1,697, and robberies, which are violent crimes, increased to 42 from 26 in 2006.

Sources: Albemarle Police, Charlottesville Police

Now for worse news: It’s the less violent crime that’s often harder to bust, and as population spikes, so will crime. Albemarle County Police Lt. John Teixeira says in many burglary cases, such as the recent burglaries in the Hessian Hills subdivision off Barracks Road, it’s typically the work of one or two “career criminals”—you catch those culprits, the numbers decline. Charlottesville Police Chief Tim Longo echoes those sentiments, saying most burglaries peak in residential areas near UVA during Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. “We’re not so much surprised with higher numbers than we are disappointed,” says Longo.

Police officials credit a proactive police presence in the community, coupled with aggressive crime prevention units and neighborhood watches, for the violent- crime decline. As for burglaries, larcenies and vehicle thefts, police are already acting: Longo says in the coming months, City police will be re-evaluating their strategic plan to focus on what the new statistics show. Teixeira says he’s adding more evening patrols and increasing the police presence and resources such as surveillance cameras to high crime areas, most notably the urban ring around the city.