Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston has made great strides in reducing the number of homicides over the last decade, but other forms of crime are trending in a different direction.
When Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox announced the 2024 crime statistics for the city, homicide rates were down by 37 percent over a five-year average. However, there was a “30 percent increase in shoplifting incidents,” as well as a 6 percent increase in commercial burglaries.
Residents and business owners have been calling for a safety crackdown in Downton Crossing and on Boston Common, where total crime has increased in recent years. According to the Boston Globe, a meeting is set for Thursday, Feb. 27, for neighborhood and city leaders to discuss the safety concerns in the area.
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Derrick lives in the area and said people gathering in groups on the Common can lead to dangerous situations.
“This part is getting bad. We all know it’s getting bad,” said Derrick. “I don’t want to say anything to enforce [any] rules, but they need to be stricter out here.”
Leslie said she takes public transportation in the morning, but when she works late, she often calls an Uber to avoid walking in the area.
"I feel like over the last two years things have changed. I don't feel safe Downtown," said Leslie.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) reports.
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