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Police report mixed crime trends, urge tools to curb weapons and pop‑up party violence in Shockoe Bottom
Summary
Chief Rick Edwards told the committee violent crime is up 3% year‑to‑date while nonfatal shootings are down 17% and property crime is down 15%; he and council members discussed enforcement, legislative tools for entertainment districts, staffing shortfalls and a tentative return of Engine 21 to Station 21.
Chief Rick Edwards of the Richmond Police Department presented a year‑to‑date crime snapshot and an update on recurring large gatherings in Shockoe Bottom and other city locations.
Edwards said overall violent crime is up 3% year to date but clarified several measures: “We're flat on murders. Aggravated assaults are a bit down. Our nonfatal shootings are down 17%,” he told the committee. Edwards said some of the apparent increase in aggravated domestic assaults stems from a change in reporting: the department now classifies choking and similar acts as aggravated domestic assault.
Property crime trends were more favorable, the chief said: “15% reduction overall. Burglaries are down 34%... Theft for motor vehicles ... is again trending in the right direction.” Edwards attributed part of the motor‑vehicle‑theft decline to security improvements in certain vehicle makes and a…
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