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2023 Milwaukee crime data; city leaders report on 1st half of year
Homicides, auto thefts, and property crime is down for the first half of 2023. That's the word from Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Police Chief Jeffrey Norman, and Office of Violence Prevention Director Ashanti Hamilton, who shared new numbers on city crime on Thursday.
MILWAUKEE - Homicides, auto thefts, and property crime is down for the first half of 2023. That's the word from Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Police Chief Jeffrey Norman, and Office of Violence Prevention Director Ashanti Hamilton, who shared new numbers on city crime on Thursday, July 20.
With the mid-year review, Milwaukee police say homicides have decreased 31% – down to 72 from 105 this time in 2022. Property crime is down 18%. Auto thefts are down 32% – down to 2,949 from 4,334 this time in 2022.
Officials noted in 2023, the homicide clearance rate is 64%.
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In 2023 compared to 2022:
- Crashes decreased 7% – down to 7,043 from 7,610 this time in 2022.
- Hit-and-run crashes decreased 13% – down to 2,623 from 3,000 this time in 2022.
- Fatalities increase 43% – up to 43 from 30 this time in 2022.
"I'm not going to get sweeping legislation on guns. But if there's an opportunity for us to work on the margins, to make sure that fewer people that should not have access to guns don't get that access, and then go into neighborhoods and hurt people including kids. That's space where we've got to work," said Mayor Johnson.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson
Chief Norman was asked about curfew enforcement. He indicated so far this year, about 30 citations have been written for curfew violations. But he had this to say about the effort to protect kids.
"It's a constant effort in regards to the parents – know where your kids are at," said Chief Norman. "Understand that there are time limits in regards to how long they can stay outside."
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman
"A particular focus on gun safety, and giving resources to parents, so that they understand the responsibility that comes with having a firearm in your home," said Hamilton.
Ashanti Hamilton
The mayor expressed frustration over the fact that three girls under the age of five have been shot this week.
"Of course I’m frustrated, but I’m also motivated to continue to push to make Milwaukee a safe and safer city," Johnson said.
The mayor is now asking for the community's help to get shooters off the street.
"I need you in the game, there’s no room on the sideline, everyone has to be involved," Johnson said.