Snellville Crime Up Slightly in 2012

While 2012 did see an increase in serious crimes - known as Part I crimes - most of that is due to a significant increase in theft. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation describes Part 1 crimes as the most-violent crimes against persons and property. They include: arson, aggravated assault, burglary, homicide, larceny, auto theft, rape and robbery. Those crimes in Snellville rose from 873 to 904. 

Burglary saw a nearly 30 percent decrease, while there were half as many robberies in 2012 as in 2011. There were no homicides in either year, although there has been one this year. 

2011:

• Aggravated assault 12 
• Arson 2                                 
• Auto Theft 4                                  
• Burglary 100                               
• Homicide 0                               
• Rape 2  
• Robbery 14   
• Theft 739 

2012:

• Aggravated assault 12 (no change) 
• Arson 1 (- 1)
• Auto Theft 1 (- 3)
• Burglary  71 (- 29)
• Homicide 0 (no change)
• Rape 3 (+ 1)
• Robbery   9 (- 5)
• Theft  807 (+ 68)

"Included in the number of thefts is an increase in shoplifting of 70 over the previous year," said Police Chief Roy Whitehead. "Clearly, theft is our number one crime problem."

Compared to ten years ago, and not including theft, crime is not so very different. For example, there were 87 burglaries in 2003, while there were 71 in 2012, a difference of 16. 

2003: 

• Aggravated assault 11 (1 less than 2012) 
• Arson 3 (2 more than 2012)
• Auto Theft 34 (33 more than 2012)
• Burglary  87 (16 more than 2012)
• Homicide 0 0 (no change)
• Rape 3 (no change)
• Robbery   16 (7 more than 2012)
• Theft 655 (152 less than 2012)

Ways to stay involved include:

• Sign up for Nixle to receive alerts
• Watch the department's Facebook page for crime tips and activities
• Use the anonymous tip line at 770-985-7212 (not monitored 24 hours a day)
• Call dispatch at 770-985-3555 (you can be anonymous if you request)
• E-mail the police department, including Chief Roy Whitehead, directly. He can be reached at rwhitehead@snellville.org
• Create or join a neighborhood watch program