Columbus Sees Significant Drop in Major Crimes for 2024

By Janell Williams

The Columbus Police Department reports a significant reduction in several major crime categories from Jan. 1, 2024 through Oct. 24, 2024, along with clearance rates that surpass national averages.

The year-to-date crime statistics show notable decreases across four major categories:

• Murder: Down 29.7 percent, with 26 cases compared to 37 during the same period in 2023.
• Robbery: Down 27.2 percent, dropping from 191 cases to 139.
• Burglary: Down 22.7 percent, with 539 incidents compared to 694 last year.
• Theft by Taking (Motor Vehicles): Down 16.5 percent, from 545 to 455 cases.

Clearance rates also reflect the department’s efforts in closing cases at higher-than-average rates. From Jan. 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2024, the clearance rates for several categories were:

• Murder: 92 percent (national average: 55.5 percent)
• Robbery: 34.4 percent (national average: 29.9 percent)
• Burglary: 30.7 percent (national average: 13.2 percent)
• Theft by Taking (MV): 66.7 percent (national average: 10.8 percent)

“These numbers reflect not only a drop in crime but our relentless commitment to solving cases,” said Columbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis. “Our clearance rates show the hard work of our detectives, especially in cases like murder, where we’re far exceeding the national average. We’re not letting up and will continue working diligently to make Columbus even safer.”

Weekly updates on Part 1 crime reports are available to the public at www.columbusga.gov/police/Reports/Weekly-Part-1-Crimes-Report, allowing residents to stay informed on the city’s safety progress.