Bloomfield Violent Crime and Car Thefts Increase, Report Says

Violent crime increased in Bloomfield in 2011 compared to 2010 while overall crime remained consistent, according to a recent state report. 

There were 1,176 crimes committed in 2011, according to the New Jersey State Police's Uniform Crime Report released last week. While overall crime was slightly up from 1,171 in 2010, the biggest increases were in violent crimes and motor vehicle thefts. 

The number of robberies reported in 2011 rose by about 17 percent, jumping from 71 in 2010 to 83 last year. In addition, assaults also rose by roughly the same percentage, going from 35 in 2010 to 41 in 2011. Both are listed as violent crimes in the report. 

Property crimes in Bloomfield were down overall last year, but there were large increases in motor vehicle thefts. In 2011, motor vehicle thefts rose by 35 percent, from 131 reports in 2010 to 177. 

The largest decrease was in thefts, down about 9 percent to 655 incidents in 2011. 

The increase in crime last year continues the trend in the township for a second year in a row. Crime rose 5 percent in 2011 compared to 2009, when there were 1,118 crimes reported. 

In addition, the Bloomfield Police Department has maintained steady numbers during the past three years. There were 136 police on the force in 2011, slightly up from 133 in 2010, but down from 138 in 2009. 

Throughout the state, overall crime rose 3 percent from 2010 to 2011. To read more about state numbers, click here. 

 

 

Offences 

 

2011 2010 2009  Homicide 0 0 0 Arson 2 2 0 Rape 5 6 6 Robbery 83 71 71 Aggravated Assault 41 35 32 Burglary 213 207 136 Larceny/Theft 655 719 729

 

Motor Vehicle Theft

 

177 131 144 Total 1,176 1,171

1,118