Crime in City of Mansfield down in 2004

The Mansfield News Journal is reporting that according to 2004 statistics, overall crime was down 2.1 percent in the city of Mansfield.

"We attribute that to a lot more people getting more involved in their own neighborhood," said Mansfield police Chief Phil Messer.

While Messer was specifically referring to new neighborhood watch programs, it should also be noted that in the first 180 days of Ohio concealed carry, 261 Richland County residents have gotten more involved in crime-deterrence by obtaining Concealed Handgun Licenses.

While overall crime was down, newspaper reports the stats are even better for violent crimes, which were down 11.1 percent from 2003. There were seven murders in 2003 compared to two last year. Robberies were down from 100 to 84.

"Most crimes, as they relate to auto thefts and burglaries, they're committed by amateurs," Messer is quoted as saying. "They're looking for an easy target. The more active our residents become in their own safety, the more successful we're going to be."

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