Cambridge Police Release 2012 Annual Crime Report

For the second year in a row, Cambridge Police report that crime has dropped to historic levels in the City of Cambridge.

“We are proud to report that crime continues to trend downward in our city,” said Cambridge Police Commissioner Robert C. Haas. “I attribute this decline to the hard work, dedication, and professionalism of the men and women of the Cambridge Police Department, as well as our vigilant residents who help to drive our resources.”

In 2012, serious crime in Cambridge decreased by 3%, to 3,478 crimes, down 89 from the previous low of 3,567 crimes recorded in 2011.  The number of crimes reported in 2012 represents the lowest total of index crimes reported to the FBI since Congress enacted the Omnibus Crime Control Act in 1968.

Looking closer at the crime breakdown, there were 67 fewer property crimes reported in 2012 to register a 2% decline when compared with 2011.  When gauged against the five-year weighted average, property crime was down 5% in 2012.  There were 414 violent crimes in the City in 2012, 22 fewer incidents than in 2011.  Compared to the five-year weighted average for violent crime in Cambridge, these types of incidents dropped 6%.

“We believe that an informed community is a safer community,” said Commissioner Haas.  “I encourage all Cambridge residents to read this report so they can be aware of the crime and quality of life issues that police are responding to in their community.”

The report contains sections on specific crime types, neighborhood reports, special reports, and more.  The complete Cambridge Police 2012 Annual Crime Report is now available on our website.