Colorado is one of the biggest states in the US. Having a large population, too, can affect its crime rate. Is Colorado less safe than it used to be?
For 35 years, the Crime and Safety Department of Denver from the Denver Post has examined crimes in Colorado. Let’s take a look at the data so we can be aware and extra cautious. On the other hand, if your friend or loved ones were accused of a crime they haven’t been proven guilty of yet, you can check Denver bonds and 24 hour bail bonds.
Colorado, like other busy states, has also experienced an upward trend when it comes to crimes, especially at the start of the pandemic. In 2020, 293 people were killed, resulting in more than five people dying every week on average. Crimes include motor vehicle thefts, aggravated assaults such as shootings, and stabbings.
Crime Trends Drivers
The Denver Post interviewed criminologists, and they said that there are hundreds of variables that might contribute to changes in crime trends. These include increased gun sales, financial pressures, political unrest, the substance use crisis, changes in attitude towards police, changing levels of police pro-activity, understaffed law enforcement agencies, unaddressed mental health and addiction needs, specific policy changes to the criminal legal system, and a state of normlessness due to the pandemic.
In addition to this, socioeconomic factors such as education, housing, and job opportunities also contributed to the crime trends. Different types of crimes often have different underlying motives. A person committing theft is most likely going to be motivated by the need for money, but someone shooting or stabbing someone may be driven by revenge or in the heat of the moment.
When Did Colorado’s Crime Rate Start Rising?
Data from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program shows that the majority of the crime in Colorado is homicides, aggravated assaults, rape, and robberies.
- The violent crime rate started to tick upward in 2014.
- The steepest climb in the crime rates rose to 10% between 2019 and 2020
- State property crime rate remained steady in 2008 until a 5% uptick in 2020. Property crime includes arson, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.
- Motor vehicle theft increased in 2020, 36% higher than the three-year average.
- Aggravated assaults rose 18% in 2020 over the three-year average
- Homicide increases 30% in 2020 over the three-year average.
- Over the last 10 years, about 20% of aggravated assaults were committed with a gun.
Educate Yourself
If you know of someone who has been accused or is facing allegations because of crimes that haven’t been proven yet, whether guilty or not, there are good guys who you can ask for help. Yes, there are the Denver bonds, which open 24 hrs just to accept concerns and inquiries if you are planning on bailing someone out, but with limited cash. 24 hour bail bonds like Red’s Anytime Bail Bonds will give you their time to listen to you and offer the assistance that you need. When it comes to placing your bond, you should be confident that you’re in good hands. Call us now!