Thefts in Valpo down in 2012 crime report
By Erin Guerra Post-Tribune correspondent January 29, 2013 2:22PM
Valpo crime stats
Major offenses 2011 2012
Homicide 0 1
Rape 1 5
Robbery 5 5
Assault 23 15
Burglary 145 153
Auto Theft 34 44
Arson 3 3
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Updated: March 12, 2013 6:02AM
VALPARAISO — The Valparaiso Police Department claimed a 14-percent drop in major crimes in the city in the 2012 year-end statistics.
The majority of this drop from 2011 to 2012, however, came from a decreased number of larcenies/thefts. The numbers of rapes, burglaries and motor vehicle thefts increased. There also was one homicide in 2012 — the unsolved Feb. 21 killing of 22-year-old Shawnna Forgus — compared with none in 2011 in the city limits.
Major crimes, as defined by the U.S. Department of Justice, include homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny/theft, motor vehicle theft and arson.
Valparaiso police responded to 28,441 calls for service in 2012, a decrease of 1,228 calls from 2011. They also made 1,282 arrests, issued 2,296 citations and conducted 9,837 traffic stops.
Police reported receiving more than double the number of anonymous tips received via text message; 199 in 2012 compared with 74 in 2011. These tips resulted in 42 arrests, including 21 at an underage drinking party and numerous arrests involving drug activity while it was occurring.
