Police: Crime decreases for 27th straight month

• Reprints

Overall crime in the city of Chicago was down for the 27th consecutive month in March, according to preliminary statistics released by Chicago Police on Tuesday.

Total crime was down 8.1 percent citywide compared to last March, and violent and property crimes respectively reflected 10.7 percent and 7.5 percent decreases, a release from police said.

Every category of violent index offenses dropped, police said. Homicides decreased 1.4 percent, after going up 18 percent in February. Ten of the city’s 25 police districts saw double-digit declines in homicides in March.

Aggravated batteries decreased by more than 17 percent, while aggravated assaults were down more than 13 percent and criminal sexual assaults decreased by 4.4 percent. The majority of police districts experienced violent crime reductions, and 10 saw double-digit declines, according to the release.

Interim Police Supt. Terry Hillard stressed the importance of patrol operations in fighting crime. “District law enforcement is fundamental to responding to community concerns and is a vital presence in the city’s neighborhoods. The opportunity for regular interaction with uniformed officers on the beat encourages open communication and the public support necessary for responsive police service and for solving and preventing crime.

Property offenses were down in all but one category, motor vehicle theft, which increased by 21.3 percent. Thefts were down in all 25 districts by nearly 15 percent overall. Arsons dropped more than 3 percent and burglaries declined by 6.4 percent.