Violent crime down 20 percent in Columbia, police say

Violent crime in Columbia is down 20 percent from this time in 2015, according to the Columbia Police Department.

At the same time, property crime is up 8 percent, according to the department.

Police Chief Skip Holbrook said that’s due to vehicle break-ins and thefts rising in cold weather, when people leave their keys in their cars to warm the vehicles up. The department is encouraging drivers not to leave valuables or keys in their cars. Without the vehicle thefts and break-ins, the chief said property crime would be a flat line rather than an increase.

The department’s North Region has seen success with carefully targeted programs, Holbrook said – such as a public address in October to 50 convicted felons, urging them to stay away from guns and gun violence.

“Instead of being reactive, we’re trying to be proactive,” he said.

This story was originally published February 25, 2016 at 11:47 AM.