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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The homicide rate in Boston fell sharply compared to the same time last year, according to police statistics.
Data from the Boston Regional Intelligence Center says there were only three reported homicides in the city during the first five months of the year.
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During the same time period in 2023, there were 18 reported homicides in Boston. The city recorded a total of 37 homicides last year, which was a record low.
Robberies, assaults, and rapes were also slightly down compared to this time last year, data shows.
The steep drop in homicides could be contributed to the City of Boston ramping up its efforts to cut down on violent crimes, including outreach programs for young people and opening employment opportunities.
On a national level, Boston leads other major U.S. cities in lowering its homicide rate. According to analysis from AH Datalytics, Boston's homicide rate was down an estimated 82 percent during the first three months of the year compared to Philadelphia (37 percent), Miami (33 percent), Dallas (27 percent), Washington D.C. (25 percent), Houston (25 percent), New York (15 percent), and Chicago (6 percent)
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