Crime Rate Report
Sugar Land’s violent crime rate decreased 22.86 percent last year, placing the City 78 percent lower than the state average and 76 percent below the nation when comparing 2015 to 2014.
The results were included in the Sugar Land Police Department’s 2015 Annual Report.
Aggravated assaults decreased 46 percent last year, while burglaries were down 6 percent and residential burglaries dropped by 2 percent.
Sugar Land’s overall crime rate increased 1.8 percent last year, though it was still the second lowest in the past 20 years.
Sugar Land Police Chief Doug Brinkley credits a strong police presence, community partnerships, public education, a commitment to technology, training and departmental leadership for Sugar Land’s historically low crime rate.
The overall crime rate is comprised of Part 1 crimes that include assault, auto theft, burglary, homicide, theft, robbery and auto burglary.
While the property crime rate increased 2.74 percent last year, it was 43.2 percent lower than Texas and 34.7 below the national average.
Police initiatives underway to address property crimes include a partnership with retail districts and neighborhoods to encourage the use of cameras and other measures for security purposes.
SLPD is also utilizing a special task force that focuses exclusively on property crimes, shopper safety and public education.
In addition to the second lowest crime rate in 20 years, other accomplishments during 2015 included installation of crime prevention cameras at all entrances and exits to the City north of U.S. Highway 90A, deployment of body cameras to every patrol officer and re-accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.
Priorities during 2015 will include:
- a focus on residential burglaries, vehicle burglaries and commercial theft;
- traffic Enforcement;
- planning for a training facility and the possible future annexations of Greatwood and New Territory; and
- staffing special events.
“Despite our historic low crime rate, we will remain proactive and continue our focus to remain one of the safest cities in the nation,” said Brinkley. “This will include continued resources such as a special impact team to address burglaries and educational efforts intended to ensure our citizens remain safe. We are committed to a leadership role in building community partnerships. It's important for us to stay connected to the community, which enables us to work together to create a safe environment to live and work.”