Wilson crime rate drops

Wilson County’s crime rate dropped by more than 25 percent in 2012.

“All our felony-type crimes are down,” said Sheriff Robert Bryan. “The big thing about it is the property crimes – we have a lot of property-type crimes reported every day.”

The department’s figures do not include crimes reported within any of the county’s municipalities.

The number of burglaries dropped by more than 40 percent, and the number of thefts from buildings dropped by more than 38 percent from 2011 to 2012.

Bryan attributed the improvement to diligent law enforcement.

“In my opinion, it’s because our patrol officers are out there during the high times when these things would happen,” said Bryan.

He said he’s also noticed increased community involvement and awareness.

“We have 11 Neighborhood Watch programs in Wilson County, and we get calls all the time about wanting to start up new ones,” said Bryan.

When neighbors start watching out for each other, the crime rates improve, he said.

“It’s a real help,” said Bryan.

Violent crimes also decreased as compared to 2011 figures.

The number of domestic aggravated assaults dropped more than 41 percent, while the number of non-domestic aggravated assaults dropped by 38 percent. There were also fewer simple assaults, with a 23 percent reduction.

While the sheriff’s office saw a decrease in crime for 2012, they also saw an increase in their other activities.

“A lot of times, you look at [only] crimes, but that’s not everything we do here,” said Bryan.

The department also serves civil process papers – subpoenas, writs, property recovery, evictions and lawsuits, for example.

“There’s a trend with a lot of that going up,” said Bryan.

Additionally, all arrest warrants processed in Wilson County – including within municipalities – go through the department, and that number is up by about a thousand, according to Bryan.

The number of auto accidents also saw a slight increase – from 1,475 in 2011 to 1,550 in 2012.

“That goes up with more cars on the road, more population, more businesses,” said Bryan.

Which also accounts for an increased number of calls for service – 24,000 in 2011 to almost 26,000 in 2012.

Overall, though, Bryan was pleased with the county’s downward trend and he said the department will work to continue that trend this year.