Aurora Police Say 2012 Major Crime Stats Skewed By Theater Shooting
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - The Aurora Police Department on Tuesday released preliminary major crime statistics for 2012, but noted the Century 16 theater tragedy had a large impact on the numbers.
The city had a 1.9 percent increase in major index crime in 2012. It was the city's first crime increase after a decade of very significant reductions, according to the department.
The major index crimes increased by 216 compared to 2011, but 69 of those were in relation to the theater shooting -- 12 murders and 57 aggravated assaults (gunshot victims).
"To illustrate how much the horrific 7/20 event altered Aurora's crime numbers, two facts need to be considered," Aurora police said in a statement. "First, there was a 1.2 percent increase in violent crime in 2012. If 7/20 had not occurred, Aurora would have achieved a 3.5 percent decrease in violent crime in 2012.
"Second, the increase in overall crime in 2012 was 1.9 percent. Had 7/20 not occurred, the increase would have dropped to 1.3 percent."
The preliminary numbers will soon be validated and a final report is expected to be released in late February or early March.
Major Index Crimes include murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault (the violent crime category) and burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.
View a table provided by Aurora police for the complete numbers.
