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Resident urges action as Booneville sees rise in property crime; council points to police staffing gains
Summary
A resident told the council he had been the victim of two property crimes and cited FBI data showing a 22% five‑year increase and being 71% above the national average; councilors encouraged him to meet with Police Chief Randy and noted the department has added two officers in the past year.
At the Aug. 4 Booneville City Council meeting, resident Trenton Gerard raised concerns about rising property and violent crime in town and asked whether the council had taken specific actions this year. "We've had a 22% increase in property crime over the past five years. We're 71% above the national average," Trenton Gerard told the council, saying he had been a victim twice since moving to Booneville and that recent incidents prompted worry about safety at schools and day‑care facilities. Council members responded that they have not enacted new ordinances beyond existing code but urged Gerard to consult with Police Chief Randy for information and next steps. A council speaker stated the city had added two officers within the last 12 months and noted ongoing retention and recruitment challenges for a small department. The council did not adopt new measures at the meeting; instead officials suggested residents report concerns to the police and schedule follow‑up time with Chief Randy so the department can respond to specific patterns or incidents. The exchange occurred during the public‑comment portion of the meeting and did not lead to formal council action during the Aug. 4 session.
