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The Waterloo Police Department has compiled their crime statistics for the year 2012. The more serious of the activity, Group A offenses, increased 11.95%. Group A offenses include crimes such as robbery, burglary, theft, assault, drug activity, and homicide.

Group B offenses decreased 1.79%. Group B offenses include crimes such as disorderly conduct, trespassing, non-violent family offenses, and alcohol related offenses.

“The increase in Group A offenses is the result of a substantial increase in larceny-types of activities such as shoplifting, burglaries, thefts, as well as various forms of fraud.  There has also been a significant increase in drug violation and drug equipment investigations,” states Director of Safety Services Dan Trelka. Trelka added that the crime rate in Waterloo plummeted in 2010 and 2011. Even with this increase in Group A offenses, the City is still well below what was experienced in 2009 (7794 Group A offenses in 2009 vs. 7000 Group A offenses in 2012) and previous years according to Trelka. Trelka additionally stated that the police department is continuing to address the crime trends that have developed and generate effective strategies to overcome them.

Mayor Buck Clark stated, “I always hate to see an increase in crime statistics, but considering the tremendous decreases we had in 2010 and 2011, it was probably inevitable for that trend to reverse itself slightly.  The good news is the Waterloo Police Department continues to clear cases and make arrests at an astounding level.  We are solving crimes in Waterloo and more people are going to jail.  The citizens of Waterloo can be confident knowing they are being well served by the dedicated men and women of the Waterloo Police Department.

For 2012 Crime Statistics, click here