MURFREESBORO, TN - In the past 4-weeks alone, Murfreesboro has seen a staggering 530+ crime reports, spanning a range of offenses to include assault, burglary, fraud, motor vehicle theft, robbery, sex crimes, larceny and more. One particular concern is the costly crime of motor vehicle thefts, with 14 incidents reported during the month of December, and a disturbing total of over 200 vehicles stolen in the past six months within Murfreesboro city limits.
Expanding our lens to the state level, Tennessee is grappling with a startling trend of increasing auto thefts. A recent report from HubScore revealed a 23% surge in car thefts across the state when comparing 2021 to 2022. Once all the numbers are in for this year, 2023 may end the month this Sunday with an even higher rate of auto thefts. Shockingly, Tennessee's auto thefts stand 11% higher than the national average.
According to the "Most Dangerous States of 2023" report by HubScore, Tennessee ranks at number 8 for the highest spike in car thefts in year-over-year research between 2021 and 2022. Last year, the state witnessed a staggering 25,550 cars stolen, up from 20,733 in 2021. Tennessee's Danger Index Score of 58 places it firmly among the states facing significant safety concerns, especially in the transportation safety category where it scored 7.7.
Louisiana topped the list as the most dangerous state, followed by Alaska and New Mexico. Massachusetts, the safest state, boasted a Danger Index Score of 80.4. Tennessee's overall crime ranking was number 4, reflecting challenges in transportation safety, firearms and violence, safety and social equity, and welfare and personal security.
Locally, Murfreesboro paints a concerning picture with over 30 reported robberies, over 100 sex crimes, and 150+ burglaries in the past six months. The prevalence of drugs and alcohol possibly contributing to these crimes is evident, with at least 900 drug or alcohol violations handled by Murfreesboro Police in the last 180 days. DUI charges have also been high, with 25 filed in the past four weeks and around 230 over the past six months.
As residents grapple with these unsettling statistics, law enforcement agencies are doubling down on efforts to address and curb the rising crime rates that come with a growing population. Public safety remains a top priority as communities work together to foster a secure environment for all.
