Crime in the city of Spartanburg: What does the data show?
According to 2023 statistics released by the Spartanburg Police Department in late February, despite a slight increase in crime, Spartanburg City continues to experience a declining trend over the past 27 years. The majority of reported crimes in 2023 were categorized as non-violent and primarily stemmed from property offenses such as shoplifting or thefts from vehicles.
Non-violent crimes in focus
During a city council meeting on the 26th of February, Deputy Chief of the Spartanburg PD, Jennifer Kindall, intensified the call for citizens to secure their vehicles. Department data revealed that over half of firearm thefts in the city emanated from vehicles, with most displaying no signs of forced entry. “It’s up to each one of us to enhance safety and livability in our city,” Kindall urged members of the city council.
Crime Analysis
From 2022 to 2023, Spartanburg observed a 9% surge in overall crime, a mere 3% above the 10-year average. Nonetheless, long-term data still indicates a downward trend, with crimes falling by 53% since 1997. The Spartanburg PD analyzes crime through “index crimes,” akin to the data collection methods of the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting program. These index crimes encompass a diverse range of offenses, including murder, forcible rape, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson, among others.
Violent Crime Trends
While most of the index crimes recorded in 2023 were non-violent, violent crimes almost equaled the 10-year average. According to the SPD, violent crimes typically consist of murder, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Data shows that three-quarters of the violent crimes last year were categorized as aggravated assaults, with over 60% allegedly involving firearms. Interestingly, the highest density of violent crimes was found near the intersections of Wofford St. & Baltimore St. and Crescent Ave. & Pineneedle Drive.
Gun Thefts a Growing Concern
Spartanburg PD’s officers have consistently highlighted gun theft as a persistent issue, particularly from motor vehicles. In 2023, the department recorded 139 instances of gun theft, and distressingly, more than half of these cases involved guns stolen from vehicles without any signs of forced entry. Kindall commented, “Irresponsible gun owners may not even realize that their firearms have been taken. That’s a sad reality.”
Comparing Spartanburg’s Crime Data to National Figures
Differences exist between crime data presented by Kindall at city council meetings and the data available publicly on the FBI’s website. This discrepancy is due to the evolution of crime data collection over the years. The FBI and local agencies switched to a newer method known as Incident-Based Reporting (NIBRS), while the Spartanburg PD retained their Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) based methodology for continuity and to maintain accuracy when tracking city crime trends over time.
Even though the NIBRS figures suggest that Spartanburg’s violent crime rate exceeds state and national averages, these comparisons need to be approached with caution due to various factors influencing crime rates. For instance, population density, local police enforcement habits, and even economic factors such as tourism can affect how crime is distinguished between different areas.
As per Nicole Combs, an SPD data analyst, different agencies may calculate crime counts and classifications differently, which poses another significant caveat while comparing crime rates regionally. As national and state crime databases undergo transitions in reporting practices, coupled with some local agencies not reporting at all, the data for some regions remains incomplete.
Ultimately, the issue of crime in Spartanburg City, as in many cities, is multifaceted, not restricted merely to figures and statistics. Citizens, law enforcement, and city officials alike carry shared responsibility for enhancing safety and reducing crime.
