As of March 6, crime in Michigan City has shown a decrease from this time last year in five of the seven major categories local police departments are required to report. Across these categories, the decline in crime in one year stands at 23.5 percent.
According to Police Chief Mark Swistek, the reason for the decline has been due to the "hard-work, professionalism and dedication" of the members of the Michigan City Police Department to the community.
"Their individual efforts and unified strategies in 2013 achieved the lowest number of reportable crimes in the past 20 years. I truly respect and value the experience, knowledge and insight that each member of the department contributes to our success. Without their service and bravery this department would not be what it is today. I am honored to represent the men and women of the department and I can’t say 'thank you' enough for their efforts in making this city what it is today," Swistek said.
The category that has seen the largest decrease by percentage in 2014 has been Robbery, which shows a 54.5 percent decline in reported cases from this time in 2013. While there were 11 robbery cases at this time last year, there have been only five reported robberies since January 1, 2014.
Assaults and motor vehicle thefts also showed a significant decline from the number of cases reported from January 1 to March 6 last year. The assaults decreased from 90 to 59 reported cases as motor vehicle theft reports went from 12 at this time in 2013 to eight thus far in 2014.
Thefts (198 in 2013, 162 in 2014) and burglaries (33 in 2013, 29 in 2014) also show lowered numbers, which is further evidence of Swistek's assertion that the city police force has made a difference in deterring crime in Michigan City.
The only two major categories that did not see a decrease show identical numbers from last year. The number of reported rapes at this point in 2013 and 2014 stands at one, while the number of homicides at this time remains at 0.
The police force going above and beyond in the community helps keep those numbers down as well.
"Michigan City is a great community and the partnerships that we have built with the citizens and business community are amazing," Swistek said. "Citizen and police interaction can truly be described as a team effort. Both the community and the police must shoulder the responsibility for improving our community and we all have a duty to help reduce crime neighborhood by neighborhood. Our mission is to reduce overall crime and improve the quality of life in the community through a cooperative partnership with all citizens has succeeded. Citizens have taken back their neighborhoods and we are realizing the positives that our community has to offer by keeping everyone informed. Through social media, our local media partners, and our community policing efforts we will continue to develop partnerships with the community. I commend our community and want to personally thank the entire community for their continued support and appreciation of our efforts."
"I am confident that our staff will continue to embrace the challenges ahead of us as they continue to protect and serve the community," the chief added.