AKRON, Ohio  — The city of Akron has seen a decrease in violent crime over the past year, according to Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, Police Chief Brian Harding and Deputy Chief David Laughlin.

What You Need To Know

  • The city of Akron has seen a decrease in violent crime over the past year 

  • Akron’s murder rates fell by 25%

  • Akron Police Department solved 23 out of 35 murders, a 66% increase rate compared to the national average of 52%
  • The information about the violent crime numbers was shared at a press conference this week

“We’re happy to see Akron’s violent crime numbers continuing to decline,” Malik said. “I often say that public safety is the number one priority for our administration, so this marks a significant milestone as we continuously strive to make our community a safer place for all.”

The following data shows a downward trend:

  • 33% decrease in the number of shootings and shots fired calls 
  • 38% decrease in the number of shootings into a habitation 
  • 25% overall decrease in the number of offenses where a firearm was used
  • Akron’s murder rates fell by 25%. The city had 20 murders last year, compared to 15 this year
  • Akron Police Department solved 23 out of 35 murders, a 66% increase rate compared to the national average of 52%
  • 21% decrease in adult non-fatal shooting victims and juvenile non-fatal shooting victims
  • 2% decrease in robberies
  • 8% decrease in felonious assault
  • 9% decrease in rapes

“The decline we’re seeing in Akron’s violent crime rates is a step in the right direction for us as a community,” Harding said. “We will continue to work diligently to continue this trend. Even one shooting death is too many, and any unsolved murder weighs on our department.”

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