Photo by City of Sugar LandThe city's crime rate has hit a 20-year historic low, according to the Sugar Land Police Department's 2014 annual report.
The number of Part 1 crimes—which include assault, auto theft, burglary, homicide, theft, robbery and auto burglary—decreased 12.75 percent last year. The city's five-year crime trend also decreased by more than 26 percent, Sugar Land Police Chief Douglas Brinkley said.
"Despite these strong results, we will remain proactive and continue our focus on past priorities," Brinkley said. "This will include continued resources, such as a special impact team to address burglaries and educational efforts intended to ensure our citizens remain safe."
According to the report, the crime rate in Sugar Land is about 45 percent and 35 percent below state and national averages, respectively. The violent crime rate in the city is 71 percent below the state average and 69 percent below the national average.
Vehicle burglary crimes, which have long been a focus of SLPD, decreased by 38 percent last year and have dropped more than 46 percent since 2010, Brinkley said. In addition, criminal investigations in the city also yielded positive results, as more than 62 percent of violent crimes were cleared.
Brinkley said the low crime in Sugar Land is due to a strong police presence, community partnerships, public education, a commitment to technology, training and departmental leadership. In 2015, SLPD's priorities will include aiming to reduce residential, commercial and vehicle burglaries; a focus on safe streets and intersections; and working toward the development of a public safety training facility.
"We are committed to providing exceptional public safety services and taking a leadership role in building community partnerships," Brinkley said. "It is important for us to stay connected to the community, which enables us to work together to create a safe environment to live and work."
