Statistics released Friday by the The Winston-Salem Police Department show a significant decrease in crimes of a less serious nature. The data highlights the period from January to September of 2016, and compares it to the same time period in 2014 and 2015.
Minor "Part Two" offenses such as city ordinance violations, drug charges, disorderly conduct and vandalism are down significantly.
But the jump in violent offenses like murder, rape and aggravated assault continues.
Police Chief Barry Rountree says it's worth noting that a few of the 20 homicides committed this year were self- defense, also known as “justifiable homicide.” He also says that people coming forward to report crimes is an essential part of law enforcement:
“The public is the eyes and ears of the police department. So, the public has a lot of information that we need. A lot of information that the only way we can do our job effectively is to get that information from the community. So I do think that we are seeing some cooperation from the community. ”
The report also shows fewer burglary and larceny charges, but motor vehicle theft is slightly ahead of the past two years.
According to the department's numbers, crime is down 5.4% overall.