– How safe is Columbus?
– A look at 2023 crime.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther Vows to Make Columbus the Safest Big City in America

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther has made it clear that he is committed to ensuring the safety of Columbus, Ohio. While safety is often measured by the number of homicides reported, it is important to look at other crimes that indicate the true state of affairs. According to data provided by the Columbus Police Department, crime in Columbus in 2023 has shown some concerning trends.

Nonfatal Shootings Steady, but Victims Getting Younger

In 2023, there were 1,031 nonfatal shootings reported in Columbus, a number almost identical to the 1,015 reported in the previous year. The Columbus Police Department does not have data on nonfatal shootings prior to 2022. However, what is truly alarming is the increase in the number of people under the age of 21 who have become victims of violence. In 2022, 31% of victims were 21 or younger, and that percentage increased to 40% in 2023. Additionally, there was a 40% increase in the number of people 21 or younger identified as criminal suspects.

Furthermore, the number of firearms seized by the police increased by 10% in 2023. Of particular concern are the 341% increase in the confiscation of Glock switches – devices that can convert a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic gun – and the 39% increase in “ghost guns.” Ghost guns, which can be created using a 3-D printer and often lack serial numbers, are difficult to trace and can evade metal detectors. These weapons pose a significant threat to public safety, as they can fire approximately 20 bullets per second, faster than the rate of fire of an M4 carbine, an automatic rifle issued to military personnel, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Tragic Incident Highlights the Danger

In May 2023, a tragic incident occurred on Aberdeen Avenue on Columbus’ Northeast Side. An unidentified individual in a vehicle fired multiple rounds from a gun suspected to have a Glock switch, resulting in the death of a 69-year-old grandmother who was walking into her daughter’s home with groceries. This devastating event underscores the urgent need for increased efforts to combat violence in the city.

Sexual Assault Reports Show Slight Increase, Robberies Decline

In 2023, there were 1,223 reported cases of sexual assault in Columbus, a slight increase from the previous year. However, the number of reported rapes remained lower compared to 2021. In that year, 1,323 rapes were reported.

On a positive note, the number of reported robberies continued to decline in 2023, with a total of 1,415 cases, including 689 cases involving a firearm. The Columbus Police Department does not have data on the number of armed robberies reported in 2021 or 2022. Nevertheless, the overall number of robberies in the city rose slightly from the previous year, according to the Division of Police annual report. In 2022, 1,307 robberies were reported, while the numbers were 2,070 in 2021 and 1,946 in 2020.

It is worth noting that there were 201 reported robberies at businesses in 2023. Unfortunately, the Columbus Police Department does not have data on this statistic for the prior two years.

Burglaries and Car Thefts Remain a Concern

The number of burglaries in Columbus remained relatively stable in 2023, with only a minor increase compared to the previous year. Ohio law defines burglary as entering a home or occupied structure with the intent to commit a criminal offense, such as theft.

Car thefts, on the other hand, continued to be a problem in 2023, despite an overall decline from the record high in 2022. Notably, the percentage of stolen Kias and Hyundais reached 50% of all stolen cars in Columbus, marking a new high for the city. This trend began in 2021 and shows no signs of stopping.

Efforts to Combat Crime

The Columbus Police Department has implemented several initiatives to address the rising crime rates. In 2023, they conducted six iterations of Operation Unity, which involved targeted enforcement efforts in specific areas. These operations, combined with wraparound services and follow-up for affected neighborhoods, led to the seizure of more than 50 firearms, the recovery of 22 stolen vehicles, and the removal of over 500 grams of fentanyl from the streets.

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and the Columbus Police Department are determined to make Columbus the safest big city in America. The statistics from 2023 highlight the ongoing challenges the city faces, particularly concerning the rise in violence among teenagers and the proliferation of dangerous firearms. It is crucial to prioritize community safety and continue implementing effective strategies to combat crime in Columbus.

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1. “Safe Columbus 2023 crime”
2. “Crime statistics Columbus 2023”.