Crime Rate Drops Again in Key West

Crime in Key West has been dropping continuously over the past few years, and it dropped by nearly 18 percent again in 2017. The reduction is due, in large part, to a 19.5 percent reduction in non-violent crime. Violent crime rates remained about the same as last year.

Each year the Key West Police Department reports its crime statistics to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. These statistics are compiled for the entire state by the FDLE in its Uniform Crime Reporting system.

“I’m pleased, considering the challenges we faced this year with a hurricane, its mandatory evacuation, and the aftermath,” said Police Chief Donie Lee. “Theft is down significantly, which points to our continued successful partnership with the community. I’m proud of our officers and of our residents in working together to reduce crime in Key West.”

 Among other statistics reported:

  • Aggravated assault was up slightly from 68 in 2016 to 74 in 2017
  • Motorcycle and scooter thefts dropped from 55 to 40
  • Burglaries remained flat: 109 in 2016 to 107 in 2017
  • Robberies dropped from 17 to 15 in 2017.
  • Incidents of rape dropped from 12 to 8
  • Burglaries dropped from 191 in 2015 to 111 in 2016 – a 41 percent decrease.
  • Burglaries from a conveyance 67 to 53
  • Bicycle thefts dropped slightly, from 159 in 2016 to 153 in 2017.
  • There were three murders in 2017, up from one the previous year.
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