Serious Crime Drops in Yakima

The overall rate for the most serious crimes in Yakima dropped more than 20% in 2013 when compared to the previous year. The rates for the majority of what are referred to by the FBI as “Part 1 crimes” declined significantly in 2013 from what they were in 2012 while those for two categories rose. But when considered as a whole, the rate for Part 1 crimes decreased last year by 20.2% from 2012 levels.
“Crime rates in Yakima have steadily dropped since they reached their highest levels in the late 1980s,” said Yakima Police Chief Dominic Rizzi. “Since then, crime rates have declined by more than 60%. That decrease mirrors national trends, but also reflects specific efforts we’ve made locally to fight crime, especially lately.

For example, last year the Yakima Police Department reinstated its downtown Bike Patrol Unit, expanded its Gang Unit, and participated in a task force that addressed crime and code issues along the North 1st Street corridor,” said Rizzi. “Because of those and a number of other changes we’ve made in our approach, we’re seeing some tangible success.”
According to the latest “Crime in the United States” report published by the FBI, the rate of
vehicle thefts in Yakima decreased year to year by 51.14%  the larceny rate went down by 14.90%  , aggravated assaults dropped by 18.89% , burglaries declined by 29.00% , and incidents of rape reduced by 37.25% . The homicide rate increased by 14.28%  and robberies rose by 15.29%

“The community has told us loud and clear through citizen surveys that public safety is the
number one priority in Yakima,” said City Manager Tony O’Rourke. “The City Council has
responded to that mandate by dedicating significant resources to fighting crime and supporting changes in how our police department is attacking the problem. The latest statistics show that the tide is turning toward making Yakima a safer community,” said O’Rourke.