Understanding Murfreesboro’s Crime Data: What the Numbers Really Mean

Jun 06, 2024 at 11:34 pm by WGNS News


 

MURFREESBORO, TN - Between May 9, 2024 and June 5, 2024, there have been 660 reports of crime in the Murfreesboro City limits that highlight at least 15 different categories. The offenses include everything from assault, burglary and fraud, to motor vehicle theft, robbery and sex crimes.

While crime reports in the 'Boro are seemingly on the rise, Police Chief Michael Bowen emphasizes that this doesn’t necessarily indicate an increase in the actual crime rates...

Chief Bowen explains that fluctuations in crime categories are common, with different types of criminal activity varying week-to-week and month-to-month...

Examining recent crime data reveals that assaults are currently the most reported crime in Murfreesboro. Following closely are thefts of personal property, which rank as the second most common crime. Problems related to illegal drugs occupy the third spot in the past four weeks. Vandalism ranks fourth, while fraud incidents are the fifth most frequently reported. Vehicle break-ins are the sixth most common crime in the last 28 days, as recorded by the Crime Mapping public reporting system used by the Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD).

The MPD also tracks reports of gunfire, though verifying these sounds can be challenging. Chief Bowen recalls an incident several years ago when an increase in “shots fired” calls led to community concern. It was later determined that many of these reports were actually caused by a car’s exhaust backfiring, not gunfire... Currently, “shots fired” calls have increased, but overall reports of gunfire within the city limits appear to be down for the year...

Chief Bowen’s insights show the complexities of interpreting crime statistics. The varying nature of criminal activity means that while certain crimes may appear to surge at times, this does not necessarily reflect a sustained trend. The MPD Real Time Center helps to further analyze the dynamic landscape of criminal activity in Murfreesboro, while providing statistical data that can help police better predict what areas within the City limits may need more attention than others.

 

Most Reported Criminal Activity for
May 9, 2024 to June 5, 2024 (28-Days):

  1. Assault

  2. Larceny / Theft of Personal Property

  3. Drugs / Alcohol

  4. Vandalism

  5. Fraud

  6. Vehicle Break-ins

  7. Motor Vehicle Theft

  8. Burglary

 

Most Reported Criminal Activity for
April 9, 2024 to May 8, 2024 (30-Days):

  1. Assault

  2. Larceny / Personal Property Theft

  3. Drugs / Alcohol

  4. Fraud

  5. Vandalism

  6. Vehicle Break-ins

  7. Motor Vehicle Theft

  8. Burglary (tied w/ weapons)

  9. Weapons (tied w/ burglary)

 

 

 

Tags: assaults crime mapping crime statistics crime statistics for Murfreesboro fraud illegal drugs Murfreesboro crime news Police Chief Michael Bowen Rutherford County shots fired Tennessee theft TN Vandalism vehicle break-ins
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