Serious crime in Alexandria is at its lowest point since 1968. The Alexandria Police Department released the 2003 crime statistics and serious crime has declined by 10 percent since 2002.
“We gratefully acknowledge the City Council, the city manager’s office and the office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for their support and commitment,” said Alexandria Police Chief Charles E. Samarra. “Because of our successful partnerships with residents, business people and other agencies, all Alexandrians enjoy a safer and higher quality of life.”
Part I, or serious crime has decreased in the city for the past seven of eight years with the only increase occurring in 2001. In 2003, there were significant decreases in three of the seven Part I crime categories.
Robbery decreased by 10.5 percent from 200 in 2002, to 179 in 2003. Larceny decreased 11 percent from 4,220 in 2002 to 3,754 in 2003. Auto theft decreased by 19.4 percent from 794 in 2002 to 640 in 2003.
HOMICIDE increased 100 percent from two in 2002 to four in 2003. Also, there was an increase in the number of rapes in the city from 20 in 2002 to 27 in 2003, or 35 percent. Aggravated assault also increased by 3.2 percent from 186 in 2002 to 192 in 2003. Burglaries were up by 2.3 percent from 486 in 2002 to 497 in 2003.