As 2020 begins, we have an opportunity to look back on some of our crime and incident data from 2019. Today we'll go over burglaries. Please keep in mind that 2019 data should be viewed as preliminary and it is subject to change.
In 2019, there were 1,034 burglaries in the City of Madison (including residential and non-residential burglaries). This is down slightly from 2018, when there were 1,078 burglaries in the City. It also reflects a slight reduction from the preceding five-year average for annual burglaries (1,067). Taking a longer look back, in 2009 there were 1,532 burglaries in the City of Madison; the 2019 total reflects a 33% reduction! While this reduction is undoubtedly good news, 1,034 is still a lot of burglaries – almost three a day. And while burglaries are considered non-violent crimes, they can have a significant impact on victims (residential burglaries in particular). Knowing that a stranger was in your home often takes a toll on residents' perception of safety and security.
Burglary suspects are often stealing firearms and vehicles during the commission of their crimes. We are also seeing a significant number of residential burglaries where access is gained through unlocked doors. Follow these tips to reduce your chance of being victimized:
https://www.cityofmadison.com/police/documents/publications/ResidentialBurglaryTheftfromAuto.pdf
https://www.cityofmadison.com/police/documents/publications/HomeSecurityChecklist.pdf
Upcoming blogs will address other crime and incident types from 2019.
The information provided below about some of the calls officers responded to is derived from notes provided by MPD Officers-In-Charge (OIC) at the end of their shifts. Most narratives represent early and preliminary information that was gathered by an OIC from those in the field who were actively working cases. The OIC is sharing what they were being told, in the moment. In many instances, facts and circumstances, even the type of crime listed, can change as officers, detectives and investigators continue their work.
From 6:00 a.m. on 01/13/2020 through 6:00 a.m. on 01/14/2020, MPD 412 calls for service. This number does not include parking complaints or 911 misdials. A breakdown of the calls for service per district is as follows: Central (65), East (81), Midtown (73), North (70), South (35), West (65), and Other (23). "Other" is used for calls that either do not have a sector or the sector is not in the City. This would be used in the case of one of our officers assisting another law enforcement agency.
SOUTH: Domestic Disturbance – 1:43 a.m. Officers met with a victim (female) who reported being physically assaulted by a known suspect (41-year-old male). The victim sustained visible injuries. The suspect was not located. Investigation continuing.
CENTRAL: Death Investigation – 10:09 a.m. Officers responded to a Central district residence for a deceased subject (71-year-old male). The decedent had multiple health concerns. Nothing suspicious identified. Medical Examiner's office responded.
CITY-WIDE: Juvenile Arrest – 12:00 p.m. A wanted juvenile (14-year-old male) was taken into custody on outstanding warrants.
NORTH: Disturbance – 1:44 p.m. Wife reported husband throwing knives against wall. Officers determine this was not the case. No probable cause established for any crimes.
SOUTH: Domestic Disturbance – 2:20 p.m. Woman reports father of her child stole her car. She also tells officers the suspect battered her outside of a tavern earlier the same day. Officers develop probable cause to arrest suspect. He is at large.
SOUTH: Wanted Person – 3:41 p.m. South District Community Police Team receives information that wanted person is on W. Badger Rd. Upon seeing police, suspect speeds away in a car, driving over a sidewalk to getaway.
NORTH: Domestic Disturbance – 5:16 p.m. Husband throws items at wife during domestic disturbance. He is arrested for domestic disorderly conduct.
EAST: Attempted Traffic Stop – 6:21 p.m. Officers attempt to stop car with temporary plates. Driver speeds off. Car seen again by police. Second stop attempted. Driver fled again.
NORTH: Drug Overdose – 8:08 p.m. Man overdoses on heroin. Madison Fire Department paramedics administer Narcan and save man's life.
EAST: Death Investigation – 10:19 p.m. Officers dispatched to check on cancer patient and find him deceased in this home.
CENTRAL: Sexual Assault – 10:22 p.m. Woman reports being sexually assaulted inside apartment by a man known to her.
EAST: Domestic Disturbance - 11:35 PM. Man threatens to kill roommate and is arrested for domestic disorderly conduct.