Total property theft in the city of Richardson increased by 6.5% in 2022 as a result of a spike in auto theft crime, according to a Richardson Police Department end-of-year review presentation at a March 20 City Council meeting that included a look at recruitment and staffing, crime statistics and new community initiatives.
While violent crime was down 2.4% compared to 2021, overall crime went up by 6% as property theft increased in large part due to a 31.4% growth in auto theft-related crimes. That increase was primarily due to thefts of catalytic converters increasing by 23.7%. Police Chief Gary Tittle reported 23% of all stolen vehicles had the keys inside or close by.
To increase staff recruiting, the city is offering hiring incentives between $2,500-$10,000 for police officers, depending on experience. The Richardson Police Department also has an up to $5,000 incentive for 911 dispatchers and a $2,500 hiring incentive for detention officers.
On top of hiring, the police department is also focused on retainment, employing 45 officers with 20 or more years in service. Additional efforts are being used to retain personnel, including allowing part-time opportunities, such as neighborhood police officer positions, and providing competitive compensation and benefits, according to city officials.
