New data released by the Spartanburg Police Department shows that crime in the city was slightly above average in 2023. Police Chief Alonzo Thompson and Deputy Chief Jennifer Kindall presented the department's findings to the City Council Monday night. Kindall said 139 guns were reported stolen in the city in 2023. “I emphasized reporting because often irresponsible gun owners don't realize their guns have been stolen, and that's sad,” she said. Kindall added that of the 76 guns stolen from cars in 2023, 65, or 86%, were stolen from unlocked vehicles. “So the question is, why do we give up our guns? We have to be responsible gun owners,” she said. Police announced that violent crime rose slightly above the average for the previous 10 years in 2023. Officials said 61% of violent crimes involved or are suspected of involving firearms. Thompson said the increase could be driven by more people moving to the area. “I don't expect this trend to go away, but I do think it will increase,” Thompson said. “We'll still have a draw. More people will come and that's what we want. We want our city to grow, but with that there will be growing pains. ” To help manage these growing pains, Thompson said the department hopes to help manage these growing pains. To continue building relationships with the community and hiring additional officers for the next budget cycle. In the meantime, the department has begun deploying additional police officers downtown on Thursdays and Saturdays, he said. “I think it will enhance our ability and help reduce crime and the quality of life that we are looking for because people need to see us downtown,” Thompson said. According to police, about 17% of 911 calls last year resulted in hang-ups. They urge people to continue calling 911 if they accidentally call 911.
New data released by the Spartanburg Police Department shows that crime in the city was slightly above average in 2023.
Police Chief Alonzo Thompson and Deputy Chief Jennifer Kindall presented the department's findings to the City Council Monday night.
Kindall said 139 guns were reported stolen in the city in 2023.
“I highlighted the coverage because irresponsible gun owners often don't realize their guns have been stolen, and that's sad,” she said.
Kindall added that of the 76 guns stolen from cars in 2023, 65, or 86%, were stolen from unlocked vehicles.
“So the question is, why do we give up our guns? We have to be responsible gun owners,” she said.
Police announced that violent crime rose slightly above the average for the previous 10 years in 2023. Officials said 61% of violent crimes involved or are suspected of involving firearms.
Thompson said the increase could be driven by more people moving to the area.
“I don't expect this trend to go away, but I do think it will increase,” Thompson said. “We're still tied. More people will come and that's what we want. We want our city to grow, but with that comes growing pains. Let’s go.”
To address these growing pains, Thompson said the department wants to continue building relationships with communities and hiring additional staff for the next budget cycle.
In the meantime, he said the department has begun deploying additional police officers downtown on Thursdays and Saturdays.
“I think it will help strengthen our capacity, reduce crime and reduce the quality of life that we are looking for because people need to see us downtown,” Thompson said. Told.
According to police, about 17% of 911 calls last year resulted in hang-ups. They urge people to continue calling 911 if they accidentally call 911.