The Columbus community reacts to new crime statistics

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – Crime numbers are on the decline, according to Columbus Police. The figures released by the department on Thursday give residents a glimpse into the decline in crime.

News Leader 9’s Katrice Nolan joins us live from outside the Public Safety Center to share more about what the department believes is responsible for these declining crime rates.

The people we spoke to say that even if crime goes down, they would like to see an even greater reduction in crime.

Steven Shaw has lived in Columbus his entire life. He remembers when the numbers were quite high in our area.

“I know two and a half to three years ago we had about 70 murders, and I know we averaged about 40, so thank God it’s not 70,” Shaw remembers.

And he’s right. There were 37 murders in Columbus last year alone.

We showed him the decline in those numbers and showed him where the department currently stands. Although he says the decline is good news, he believes the root of the problem lies beyond the badge.

“When parents don’t control their children, this is the end result,” he added.

One woman we spoke to says she lost her daughter to gun violence and she doesn’t think the numbers are low enough to feel safe.

“In 2002 I lost my daughter to such a crime and honestly I think we need to put prayer back into action,” she explained.

Homicides aren’t the only area where crime is declining. Robberies fell by 27 percent, burglaries by 22 percent and car thefts by 16 percent.

“Oh I’m absolutely thrilled to hear this,” said another resident. “I think the more opportunities people have, the lower these numbers will be.”

“Crime is out of control and it’s like you come here and you just take the kids to the park and you hear shootings, it’s like every day,” another person added.

“I feel good, you know. They are trying to lower it because it is too much right now,” another resident said.

Deputy Chief Roderick Graham says crime is down thanks to new hiring and technology in the department.

“We use technology and leverage people in the community to stay ahead of crime,” Graham said.

We protect you and people like Steven Shaw…

“This is my city. I mean, I’m 65 and I don’t plan on moving,” Shaw said.

You may remember that there was also a leadership change in the department.

Chief Stoney Mathis has been on the job for about a year and a half. In a statement, he said: “These figures reflect not only a decline in crime, but also our tireless commitment to solving cases.”

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