Las Vegas NowDespite High-Profile Crimes, Incidents Down for the Year

Despite High-Profile Crimes, Incidents Down for the Year

A woman attacked in her home for her car, an older couple robbed when men pushed their way into their home, and a Metro officer shot and killed in his own garage. Police say crime, and robbery in particular, is down. But in the last month, violent crime seems to have picked up.

The robbers are getting bold too. Last Thursday, crooks kicked down the door to a home trying to rob the homeowner. But instead, he shot and killed one of the crooks. This is one of many attempted robberies in the last month.

“Across the board, violent crimes within our community are down,” said Metro Officer Bill Cassell.

Despite these recent incidents, police are adamant crime is down in Las Vegas. They admit however, November has not been a good month. Three home invasions in three weeks, and the latest was a botched robbery that took the life of Metro Officer Trevor Nettleton.

“We really don't know what the mindset is behind these criminal acts,” said Cassell.

According to Cassell, since November of 2008, overall violent crime is down 8-percent and robberies have dropped nearly 12-percent. But arrests for possession of a deadly weapon have gone up nearly 14-percent in just one year.

Cassell says these crime sprees are cyclical. Some happen week after week and then die down. He also says the closer we get to the holidays, crimes go up because robbers are desperate for cash. “Around this time of year, there are some individuals that like to prey on people,” he said.

Cassell says being smart about your surroundings will help keep you and your family safe. “Keep your garage door down. Keep the main door between the garage and house cleared and locked. Make sure outside lights work and make sure bushes are trimmed,” he said.

While police say crime is down, recent incidents show it can happen at anytime. Metro says if you don't recognize the person at your door, do not let them inside. And of course, if you see something suspicious, call police.