Connecticut recently released its annual crime statistics report which, according to Newtown Police Chief David Kullgren, shows crime is down locally.

The report is a compilation of statistics from 2021. According to the report, with an estimated population of 27,858, Newtown had 180 offenses and 111 arrests for what it classifies as “Group A” offenses.

While Group A includes offenses such as arson, murder, rape, and prostitution, Newtown had no reported offenses in any of those groupings. Among the reported Group A offenses in Newtown were 49 thefts from motor vehicles, 17 motor vehicle thefts, five drug/narcotics violations, two robberies, and eight assaults, of which 31 were cleared leading to 25 arrests, a 17.22% clearance rate.

There were 86 arrests for Group B offenses, which include driving under the influence, disorderly conduct, trespassing, passing bad checks, and other offenses.

“I am proud that Newtown has been ranked two years in a row as the Safest City in CT (safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-connecticut/),” stated Kullgren. “I [attribute] that to the dedication of the men and women of the Newtown Police Department. Our officers are diligent in their patrols and motor vehicle activity, which creates an omnipresence in town, aiding in the deterrence of crime.”

However, Kullgren noted that Newtown Police have noticed an increase in property crimes that are directly related to unlocked motor vehicles and catalytic converter thefts.

“Newtown is not alone in this trend; this trend stretches across the country,” said Kullgren. “Our best advice to our residents and business owners is to remove valuables from your vehicles, secure them and not leave your keys/fobs in your vehicles.”

Governor Ned Lamont issued the following statement in response to the release of Connecticut’s annual crime statistics report, which compiles data on crimes reported to law enforcement agencies in the state for the 2021 calendar year:

“This report shows violent and property crimes are down in Connecticut from the previous year, preserving our state’s status as one of the safest in the country. We must remain laser-focused on further reducing crime. Speaking as a father, a husband, and governor, one crime is too many. We have a real opportunity, working together with law enforcement and community partners, to further increase public safety in Connecticut.”

The annual report is created by the Crimes Analysis Unit of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection and is now in its 44th year of publication. It is the most comprehensive source of crime-related data for the state.

Data from the report shows that between 2020 and 2021, Connecticut experienced a: 3% reduction in overall crime; 9% reduction in violent crime; and a 2% reduction in property crimes.

Additionally, the report finds that over the last ten years overall crime in Connecticut has fallen 30%, including a 43% reduction in violent crime and a 29% reduction in property crime.

During the last four years, the Connecticut State Police Training Academy has graduated 333 new state troopers through six training troops. The 132nd Training Troop is currently in progress and anticipated to graduate an additional 33 new state troopers by the end of October.

The State Police plans to commence another training troop in November. That class of state trooper trainees is currently being recruited and will graduate in 2023.

The state budget that Governor Lamont signed into law earlier this year for the 2023 fiscal year makes significant investments in crime prevention and reduction, especially involving gun violence, as well as services for crime victims and support to clear court cases that accumulated during the pandemic.

Associate Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.