Milwaukee Police Department crime data report on 1st half of 2024
MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Police Department released its mid-year crime report, providing data from the first six months of 2024, on Wednesday.
Numbers from the police department show an 18% decrease in homicides compared to the same time last year.
"Once again, crime numbers in Milwaukee are showing really positive movement. Milwaukee is a safer city," said Mayor Cavalier Johnson. "I can say we're a safer city than we were last year. And a much safer city than what we were just two years ago."
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In the first quarter review, MPD said homicides decreased 39% compared to the same point in 2023. Property crime at that point of the year was down 11%, and auto thefts were down 10%.
"We are doubling down on trying to be optimistic about the next two quarters, because we want the next two quarters to be the best two quarters of this year," said Ashanti Hamilton, director of the city's Office of Community Wellness and Safety.
Property crime is now down 10% compared to this point in 2023, MPD found, and auto thefts are down 3%. Johnson said there is more work to be done.
"As we continue to move forward here, I want police to continue to enforce the law," he said. "I want them to solve crimes, and I want residents to work together to build greater safety in neighborhoods all across Milwaukee."
"I want to stress this, in regard to carjackings, this is a crime of opportunity. Again, carjackings are a crime of opportunity. Often, those engaged in this behavior target victims who are not paying attention to their surroundings, or maybe distracted," MPD Chief Jeffrey Norman said.
Officials noted in 2024, the homicide clearance rate is 74%.
Business owner concerned
Raul Varela is a business owner on Milwaukee's south side. He said safety is his top priority.
"It is not safe anywhere," Varela said. "Lately, it feels like we can't go anywhere in public, not even a park, because it feels unsafe."
"Firing guns is never – it's never, ever, ever – a way to settle, to solve, a dispute," said Johnson. "People need to use their brains and not their trigger fingers to solve the anger issues."
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It is a concern that Varela said lingers in the back of his mind after recent shootings.
"There's deaths every day, whether it's from firearms or driving – mainly from gun violence in the hands of minors," he said. "Safety starts from home."
"We continue to see an alarming number of adolescents and young adults involved in firearm-related violent acts," said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman. "We have to understand it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess firearms. If you're an adult with firearms, keep them safely stored and away from your young ones. Talk to your kids."