SHREVEPORT, La. — Vehicle thefts and burglaries are down in Shreveport, but criminal homicides and traffic fatalities are on the rise, according to the latest monthly statistics presented to the City Council.
According to the Shreveport Police Department, vehicle thefts fell 12% and citywide burglaries declined 16% compared with the same period last year. Shootings also dropped by more than 10%.
However, criminal homicides rose 23%, driven primarily by recent multi-victim incidents and murder-suicides. Domestic violence arrests also increased by more than 6%.
Traffic deaths remain a major concern, with 30 fatal crashes recorded year to date. Police officials cited driver behavior and poor visibility as leading causes of the deadly accidents.
"And that is people not wearing seat belts, as well as speed plays a part in that as well," said Deputy Chief Michael Tyler. "We've had several where pedestrians have been struck by vehicles in dimly lit areas, and people just could not see them."
In response to the traffic safety concerns, traffic units are continuing to issue citations for speeding and seat belt violations. Police will also increase patrols in neighborhoods reporting speeding and reckless driving.