US crime statistics show decline in most violent crimes in Omaha

OMAHA, Nebraska (WOWT) – Violent crime in major cities is declining, according to crime statistics released Monday by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland.

The data for Omaha shows a similar trend, with the exception of the murder rate, which increased by about 20% in Omaha.

The data for all major cities released on Monday includes statistics from January 1 to June 30 and compares that period last year with the same period this year.

“These data are further evidence of a significant decline in violent crime in major cities across the country. In nearly 70 major cities across the country, violent crime continued to decline during the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year, including a 17% decrease in the murder rate,” the Attorney General's press release said. “These updated data follow last year's historic decline in the murder rate across the country and one of the lowest violent crime rates in 50 years.”

According to data for Omaha, the number of murders has increased, but the number of reports of rape, robbery and aggravated assault have decreased compared to the previous year.

In the first half of 2023, eight murder cases were reported, compared to ten in the first six months of this year. The number of rape and robbery reports fell by about 26%; the number of serious assaults fell by about 31%.

AG report: Jan.-Jun. 2023-2024

Source: Major Cities Chiefs Association survey on violent crime

The Omaha Police Department's quarterly crime statistics support the Attorney General's assessment.

According to data released for the first quarter, OPD processed four homicide reports, compared to just one during the same period in 2023. At the same time, other violent crime numbers decreased compared to the first quarter of 2023 reports.

OPD Reports: Jan-March 2023-24

Source: Omaha Police Statistics

According to OPD statistics, rape reports in Omaha fell by about 27% in the first three months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. Robbery reports fell by about 9%; aggravated assault reports fell by about 18%.

The OPD report also includes statistics on burglary, theft and car theft – which is nothing other than robbery.

OPD Reports: Jan-March 2023-24

Source: Omaha Police Statistics

During the same period, Omaha saw an increase in thefts, but burglaries and auto thefts decreased. Burglaries decreased by about 8%, thefts decreased by about 5%, and auto thefts decreased by 13%.

Full statement from the AG

“These data are further evidence of a significant decline in violent crime in major cities across the country. In nearly 70 major cities across the country, violent crime continued to decline during the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year, including a 17% decline in the murder rate.

These updated data come in the wake of a historic drop in the murder rate across the country last year and one of the lowest rates of violent crime in 50 years.

Three and a half years ago, the Department of Justice launched an ambitious strategy to combat violent crime that was based on investing in our partnerships with other federal law enforcement agencies, with state and local law enforcement agencies who risk their lives every day to keep their communities safe, and with the communities we all serve.

The Department of Justice's collaboration with our partners to reduce violent crime is paying off.

But our message remains clear: we will not rest until every person and every community is safe from violent crime.

We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners across the country to arrest violent offenders, seize and track weapons used in crimes, disrupt violent drug trafficking, and make critical investments in police departments to hire more officers. And we will continue to work with our community partners to support life-saving initiatives aimed at preventing and stopping violence before it occurs.”

All rights reserved.