Deputy Kit Gruppi of the Lancaster Sheriff Station presented the latest crime statistics for the city of Lancaster during a recent government meeting, highlighting significant trends in various crime categories for the year to date, up to April 2024.

The report indicated a total of four criminal homicides within the city, with one additional homicide in the unincorporated areas, marking a substantial decrease of 71.43% in the city compared to the previous year. However, the statistics for forcible rape showed a troubling increase, with 21 incidents reported in the city, reflecting a 10.53% rise, while the unincorporated areas experienced a 75% increase, totaling seven incidents.

Robberies also saw a notable uptick, with 88 reported in the city (a 14.29% increase) and 13 in unincorporated areas, which represented a staggering 333% increase. Aggravated assaults totaled 322 in the city and 36 in unincorporated areas, with increases of 9.15% and 12.50%, respectively.

In terms of property crimes, burglaries in the city rose by 4.04% to 232 incidents, while unincorporated areas saw a significant decrease of 31.03%, totaling 40 burglaries. Larceny thefts increased by 14.54% in the city, totaling 449 incidents, and by 12.73% in unincorporated areas, totaling 62.

Lastly, Grand Theft Auto incidents totaled 596, with 432 in the city (a slight decrease of 1.14%) and 164 in unincorporated areas, which experienced a dramatic increase of 70.83%.

These statistics reflect a mixed landscape of crime in Lancaster, with some categories showing improvements while others indicate rising concerns, particularly in violent crimes and certain property offenses.