MILWAUKEE — While gun violence remains high in Milwaukee, some crime rates have seen a decline over the past few months.
The Milwaukee Police Department said from April through June, overall crime was down roughly 13%. That includes homicides, which are down 31%. Additionally, property crimes saw an 18% decrease and auto thefts are down 32%.
Police said they’ll continue to have a strong focus on youth violence and keeping kids safe.
“Giving resources to parents so that they understand the responsibility with having a firearm in your home,” Director of the City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention Ashanti Hamilton said. “We want to encourage members of the community to take advantage of these trainings and we want them to recognize that they are the first line of defense for the children in our community.”
Police said a child has been shot every day in Milwaukee this week. Local organizations are getting involved in helping prevent and decrease gun violence following the alarming trend.
The Prince Hall Grand Lodge F&AM and the City of Milwaukee Office of Violence prevention are partnering to raise awareness on gun safety.
Lionel McAllister is a member of the lodge and said he wanted to help provide solutions. McAllister and a few others with the lodge went door to door to distribute gun safety locks to families in the community on Thursday.
“The numbers may be down significantly, but they can be lower,” he said. “Any accidental death, whether it’s 1 or 100, can be prevented with proper safety measures put in place.”
Tracey Dent is an activist and also a member of the prince hall grand lodge. Dent said he’s passionate about helping prevent violence. He said this is one small way they can make a difference in the community, no questions asked.
“We’re not trying to find out what’s their name, who they are, or where they come from,” said Dent. “We’re just saying here, here are some resources right here to try to keep you and your family safe.”
McAllister said while gun violence may not be possible to end, it can be prevented and reduced.
“Any life lost to accidental death, any life lost to gun violence period is a tragedy,” he said.
Despite the disheartening trends, specifically with young people, they’re hopeful the community can come together to make a change, one small solution at a time.