Theft increases, other crimes decline in Alexandria so far in 2024

According to new data from the Alexandria City Police Department (ACPD), the number of thefts in Alexandria increased from January to July compared to the same period last year.

Comparing January to July 2024 and 2023, burglaries, aggravated assault, robbery and car thefts are all declining.

The frequently updated data dashboard shows Category 1 crimes, including murder, aggravated assault, rape, burglary, theft, robbery and stolen vehicles.

There were a total of 2,687 Category 1 crimes in the January-to-late July period, compared to 2,367 from January to July last year. Larceny, defined by the FBI as “unlawful taking, carrying, carrying, or riding away of property,” accounted for the increase. There was one more murder (five in 2024 compared to four in 2023 for the January-July period, although deaths take longer to classify than other crimes).

To avoid theft, authorities say people should not leave anything unattended (wallet, keys, phone, etc.), not even for a minute. Remember to lock your car and take valuables with you.