Southwest Minneapolis' Fifth Precinct Sees Alarming Increase in Serious Crimes

Violent crimes in Minneapolis are on the rise, with sharp jumps in southwest Minneapolis' normally quiet communities raising officials' concerns.

Although homicides have decreased by about 40 percent in 2016 compared to this time last year, general violent crimes are up about 11 percent in north Minneapolis, according to a Star Tribune report. Violent crimes include homicide, robbery, aggravated assault and rape.

"North Minneapolis has recorded 957 violent crimes ... compared to 862 a year ago," the story said. "The Fifth Precinct, which covers the normally quiet neighborhoods of southwest Minneapolis, has seen a 13 percent jump in serious crimes, while violent crime has remained more or less stable in the First, Second and Third precincts."

Officials discussed the issue at a recent Minneapolis City Council Public Safety Committee meeting, during which Council President Barbara Johnson called the crimes, "intolerable for citizens."

Read more about the status of local crime and what is being done to stop it.