The first half of 2024 represents the lowest crime rate in nearly 30 years across St. Charles Parish, according to Uniform Crime Report statistics released by the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office this month.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, crime statistics for the first six months of 2024 fell to a record low when compared to the same period in the last 28 years.
The Uniform Crime Report (UCR) is the nationally mandated crime reporting format by the F.B.I. This system documents crime statistics across seven major categories. These categories include murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, theft, and auto theft.
The UCR is the nationally mandated crime reporting format by the F.B.I. This system documents crime statistics across seven major categories. These categories include murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, theft, and auto theft. According to the UCR, from January 2024 through July 2024, the total number of crimes fell from 656 in the same period in 2023 to 633 currently, a 3.51 percent decrease.
Notably, much of the decrease is fueled by a drop in violent crime. Instances of rape (from 4 to 3), murder (3 to 1) and assault (302 to 273) all declined compared to the same time period last year.
Auto thefts increased from 36 to 40 and thefts from 250 to 253. Robberies rose from 7 to 9. Burglaries showed no increase or decrease, with 54 during each span.
It represents a continued positive trend for the parish. 2023 saw the lowest number of recorded crimes in nearly three decades. If the 2024 pace holds up, it would set a new low over that span.
“It’s hot outside, but crime continues to cool down,” St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne proudly posted to his Facebook page as he shared the statistics.
Champagne credited several factors for the success, including the good work of his officers, the aid of technology and social media and a strong cooperative relationship with District Attorney Joel Chaisson’s office, noting the latter’s commitment to prosecuting and punishing repeat offenders responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime as a major positive.
He also noted many years of community outreach through DARE, School Resource Officers, Eat on the Beat, summer camps and other programs.
“(The community outreach) continue(s) to solidify the already positive relationships we have built with the young people of St. Charles Parish,” Champagne said. “This cannot be understated and is vital in preventing crime.
“Finally, citizen involvement is a very valuable part of our work. We appreciate the cooperation of the people of St. Charles Parish, who usually do not hesitate to provide information about suspicious behavior, actual and potential crimes, and the perpetrators. The level of this collaboration doesn’t exist in many other places.”
Champagne reiterated a point he emphasized following his recent inauguration for his 8th term as Sheriff of St. Charles Parish: complacency is the enemy.
“Although these numbers are great, we never just sit back. We constantly seek ways to further reduce crime in all areas,” he said.
“This is still a team effort. Residents are urged not to become complacent. Please be vigilant and, most importantly, secure your belongings and property … many reported thefts resulted from unlocked vehicles and valuables left unattended in easily accessible places.”
