Serious Crime Declines in St. Charles

The number of serious crimes happening in St. Charles is at a three-year low, according to an annual report released Friday.

St. Charles saw violent or property-related crimes, such as murder, aggravated assault and felony theft, decrease in 2011 while a group of lesser crimes tracked in the report grew in number between 2010 and last year, according to the report.

"In these times of uncertainty for many things, it is good we have managed to keep the City of St. Charles safe for our residents and visitors," said Chief Jim Lamkin in a statement to media. "We will continue to use our resources in the best ways to serve the most."

Major Crimes

The crimes labeled in the annual report as "Part I" include the following: murder, criminal sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault/battery, burglary, felony theft, motor vehicle theft and arson. The total number of this type of crime was 729 for 2011. Here is a breakdown dating back to 2007. 

Source: St. Charles Police Department

As you can see, the total number of incidents has declined since 2008. No murders were reported in 2011 and the number of sexual assault cases decreased, according to police. There also were drops in burglary to motor vehicle and felony thefts. The number of incidents of burglary, motor vehicle thefts and arson remained constant or nearly so.

The bad news from the report comes in another crime category, labeled Part II. The number of incidents of this type increased from 2,553 in 2010 to 3,142, according to police.

The Part II category includes lesser offenses: assault, theft, forgery, counterfeiting, disorderly conduct, drunken driving, drug offenses, prostitution, criminal damage to property, curfew and weapon offenses. These crimes also tend to be ones police departments activity search out.

A copy of the St Charles Police Department 2011 Annual Report is available on the City's website.