The downward crime trend continues in Daytona Beach.

Written by Anthony Bicy

Belden Communications News

Daytona Beach has seen a decrease in crime rates, even with the city’s population growth, by 44% when comparing statistics from 2011 to 2021. Proactive policing strategies, enhanced technology, and better allocation of resources have contributed to the significant and steady decrease in crime.

The Daytona Beach Police Department released the end-of-year crime statistics to show the decline, with stats including person crimes, also known as violent crimes, murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, and with property crimes of burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft. In 2011, the police arrested more than 8,000 people for violent and property crimes. However, that number decreased in 2021, with only 6,000 arrested.

“Of course, these significant reductions could not be possible without the hard work and commitment of the men and women in this department in conjunction with the support of our elected officials and outside law enforcement partners,” said Police Chief Jakari Young.

According to Chief Young, the department is still recruiting new officers. Last year, there were twenty-nine new hires, but there are currently twenty-five budgeted vacancies in the department.