Crime rate drops 42 percent as arrests lag behind

In a recent government meeting, officials reported a significant 42% decrease in the crime rate for 2024, particularly in relation to recovered firearms. As of July, the total number of firearms recovered stands at 80, with hopes to surpass last year's total of 125 by the end of the year.

The discussion also highlighted a decline in shooting assaults, with 49 incidents reported this year compared to 64 during the same period last year. However, the number of arrests related to these shooting assaults remains low, with only nine arrests made out of the 49 incidents. This includes a homicide case, with arrests distributed as follows: five on St. Croix, twelve on St. Thomas, and none on St. John.

Officials expressed optimism about continuing trends in crime reduction and emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance public safety.