Editor’s Note: This story proposal was submitted by Ernesta Walker
Everyone wants to feel safe in their living environment. But is our perception of crime in our neighborhoods realistic?
According to the FBI’s Quarterly Uniform Crime Report, violent crime in the United States fell significantly in the first quarter of 2024. Data from 12,000 law enforcement agencies, representing 77% of the country’s population, is down 15% compared to the first quarter of 2023.
The data shows that from January to March, murders decreased by 26.4%, robberies decreased by 17.8% and aggravated assaults decreased by 12.5%.
While the data shows a decline in crime in the United States, the public perception of crime belies the reality. Forty percent of Americans say they are afraid to walk alone at night because of crime. The last time the data reached 40% was in 1993, during one of the worst crime waves in U.S. history, when 43% said they would be afraid.
This might explain why we got a tip about crime rates in the 19th Ward when we were collecting story ideas on Hearken.
More: Meet Judge Marbury, the D&C’s new 19th Ward reporter
“Overall, I feel safe. I don’t think my safety is at risk,” said Christopher Rush, a resident of the 19th Ward. “I will say that a lot has changed over the years, and I can understand why others don’t feel safe. A better word I would use is uncomfortable,” Rush continued. “Between the individuals with mental health issues, the crowds at the convenience stores, and the panhandling, you’re dealing with individuals who may not be putting your safety at risk, but they’re uncomfortable to interact with,” Rush said.
Crime statistics for the 19th ward
According to the RPD: Neighborhood Crime History Map, from January 2024 to present, the 19th Precinct has seen 17 robberies, 39 aggravated assaults, 43 burglaries, 133 larcenies, 88 motor vehicle thefts, and two homicides.
Last year, during the same period, there were 13 robberies, 46 serious assaults, 49 burglaries, 211 thefts, 193 motor vehicle thefts and four murders.
Theft, burglary, robbery
Theft, or robbery, is the unlawful taking of someone’s property without the use or threat of force. Burglary is the illegal entry into a building, such as a house or a car, with the intent to commit a crime, such as theft. Robbery, or violent robbery, is the unlawful taking of someone’s property with the use or threat of force and is considered the most serious of the three crimes.
To stay up to date on crime in your neighborhood, visit the RPD Crime Map or RPD Neighborhood Crime History.
We want more readers to submit story ideas for the 19th Ward beat. Fill out our survey using the form below or scan the QR code in print. In the coming weeks, we’ll let you know when one of you suggests a story for us to write!
Judge Marbury is the 19th Ward reporter. She loves her energetic puppy, Hiro. Connect with her on Instagram @justitie_marbury and by email at jmarbury@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester’s 19th Ward crime stats: What they show for 2024
