Basing their findings on the downward shift in both violent crime and property crime in an 11-year timespan, the recent Virginia Crime Statistics and Rates Report suggest that Virginia’s expected crime rate for 2013 will fall even lower than it did in 2010. During 2010, Virginia’s rate of violent crime was even lower than the rate for violent crime as the averaged national rate. Indeed, Virginia’s rate of violent crime ranked some 30.2% lower than the national average; Virginia’s property crime rate ranked approximately 6.64% lower than the national average for such crimes. Moreover, the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services reports that during the past decade (2002-2011), violent crime and property crime rates were “consistently below the national rate every year during the last decade.”
Decreasing Crime Rates In Virginia
Consistently decreasing crime rates in Virginia are certainly something of which area law enforcement should be quite proud. It does, however, beg the question of whether or not – or to what extent – the numbers equate to positive changes on Virginia residents’ quality of life. Protection from crime is arguably among the main factors that people consider when they decide to live in a given location. It is evident that the residents of Richmond, VA. understand and appreciate the positive impact that decreasing crime rates can have on their community. According to the PR Web, “Much of Richmond’s crime reduction is due to the actions of social programs and involved community like institutions like The Richmond Outreach Center”
Lower crime rates can help Virginia’s economy, as it makes the region more appealing and attractive to people who are retiring. “With only 2,446 property and violent crimes per 100,000 people, Virginia has one of the lowest crime rates in the country.”
