Crime Rates Rise in Westwood, Fall in Hillsdale

New Jersey State Police have released their Uniform Crime Report for the first two quarters of 2014. According to their reports, Westwood’s overall crime index rose from 23 to 32 in the last year, a 39 percent increase in crime. Hillsdale’s overall crime index fell from 33 to 23 in the last year, a 30 percent decrease in crime.

Westwood saw 1 incident of violent crime between January and June of 2013, and 4 such incidents in the same period of 2014. Despite the small numbers, that’s a 300 percent decrease in violent crime. Nonviolent crime didn’t change at all: Westwood Police reported 20 nonviolent crimes in the first half of both 2013 and 2014.

Hillsdale saw 1 incident of violent crime between January and June of 2013, and none in the same period of 2014, resulting in a 100 percent decrease in violent crime. Nonviolent crime decreased by 27 percent: Hillsdale Police reported 22 nonviolent crimes in the first half of 2013, and 16 in the first half of 2014.

For more statistics, go to the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety.