Nashville Violent Crime Rates Drop 54.5%: Homicides Plummet, Rape Reports Rise Amid Mixed Property Crime Trends

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Homicide Rates Show Significant Decrease

The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) has seen a big drop in homicide violent crimes. Only 10 homicides were reported by March 2, 2024, compared to 22 during the same time in 2023. This is a 54.5% decrease. Even though this is good news, the city still ended 2023 with over 100 homicides, a trend that started in 2020. The Midtown Hills Precinct, which had a high number of homicides last year due to a mass shooting, has reported none so far this year.

Rise in Rape Reports

Unlike other violent crimes, reports of rape have increased. The MNPD has received 93 reports of rape by March 2, 2024, up from 82 last year. The Central Precinct saw the biggest increase, with a 233.3% rise in rape reports. This is a serious concern. The North and South Precincts also continue to report many rape cases.

Aggravated Assaults Decline

Aggravated violent crime assault cases have gone down by about 10.5%, with 966 cases reported so far in 2024 compared to 1,079 last year. This is a positive sign. Most of these assaults were reported in the South Precinct, but the Hermitage Precinct had the biggest increase at 17.5%.

Robbery Incidents Drop

Robbery violent crime reports have dropped by about 14.9%, with 194 cases reported in early 2024, down from 228 last year. The Madison Precinct saw the largest decrease in robberies, with a 39.1% drop. Commercial robberies have fallen a lot by 48.6%, and street robberies are down by 8.8%. However, the Hermitage and North Precincts saw more robberies.

Property Crime Trends Show Mixed Results

Violent crime of Property  in Nashville and Davidson County has gone up slightly, with 5,179 incidents reported by March 2, 2024, up from 4,636 last year. This rise is mostly due to more auto thefts. The South Precinct had the highest increase in property crimes, with a 27.4% rise. On the other hand, the Central, Hermitage, and Midtown Hills Precincts saw decreases in property crime, with Midtown Hills seeing the largest drop.

Burglary Reports Decrease

Burglary violent crime reports are down by about 4.3%, meaning fewer unlawful entries into homes and businesses. Commercial burglaries are down by 17.2%, but residential burglaries are up by 4.2%. The North Precinct saw a big increase in burglaries, with a 46% rise, while the Central Precinct had the biggest drop, at 61.1%.

Larceny Rates Remain Stable

Larceny violent crime reports have stayed about the same, with only a 0.3% decline from last year. The Midtown Hills Precinct had the largest drop in larceny incidents, with a 32.9% decrease. However, reports went up in the West, East, South, and Madison Precincts.

Auto Theft Continues to Surge

Auto theft is still a major problem in Nashville and Davidson County, with a 109.3% increase in reported cases. There have been 1,099 auto thefts reported so far in 2024, compared to 525 last year. The East Precinct has been hit the hardest, with a 226.8% rise in auto thefts. This shows a need for better measures to prevent vehicle theft in the area.