JOPLIN, MO.--- Joplin police see a double digit drop in crime in the month of February, a big decrease from numbers last February and an even bigger dip from January. 303 crimes were reported in Joplin last month, a 10% drop from February 2012.
General theft cases saw one of the biggest decreases with 32 fewer reports filed, along with vehicle theft with another big drop. That was a big turnaround from January when those numbers had been climbing. The police chief credits prevention efforts throughout the month.
"Vehicle thefts were actually down 33% so it would appear that that effort made a difference. Consistently when we do impact, every time we do an emphasis we see either a leveling off or a significant reduction," said Lane Roberts, Joplin Police Chief.
Reports show that of those vehicles that were stolen last month, 2 out of 3 were in parking lots.
General theft cases saw one of the biggest decreases with 32 fewer reports filed, along with vehicle theft with another big drop. That was a big turnaround from January when those numbers had been climbing. The police chief credits prevention efforts throughout the month.
"Vehicle thefts were actually down 33% so it would appear that that effort made a difference. Consistently when we do impact, every time we do an emphasis we see either a leveling off or a significant reduction," said Lane Roberts, Joplin Police Chief.
Reports show that of those vehicles that were stolen last month, 2 out of 3 were in parking lots.
