After 2 Year Drop, Cedar Falls Crime Rises by Double Digits in 2012

Crime rose in Cedar Falls in 2012, the first time an increase was reported in two years.

In 2010, Cedar Falls crime dropped by 15 percent, and 2011 saw a 17 percent drop. The last year, however, saw the crime rate increase by 13.9 percent.

“After two years of double-digit decreases in crime, we knew we would have a year where the trend would reverse," Cedar Falls Police Chief Jeff Olson said in a press release.

There were 2,388 crimes reported in 2012, compared to 2,096 in 2011. Most of the increases were reflected in the theft, vandalism and alcohol categories. Assaults were down.

Here are the numbers:

Shoplifting                             +48% (from 138 in 2011 to 197 in 2012)

Theft from Vehicle                  +32% (from 73 in 2011 to 129 in 2012)

Counterfeit/Forgery                +43% (from 23 in 2011 to 33 in 2012)

Vandalism                             +32% (from 282 in 2011 to 373 in 2012)

Drunkenness                         +40% (from 165 in 2011 to 232 in 2012)

Assaults                                -19% (from 156 in 2011 to 127 in 2012)

Police said some of the increases in vandalism and theft cases were attributed to a few groups of people who allegedly committed numerous crimes. Police said one group of individuals was charged with over 60 vandalism cases.

Cedar Falls reported no murders in 2012 and six robberies. Cedar Falls officers responded to over 23,000 calls for service.