Columbia sees increase of violent crimes in 2017

The annual uniform crime report for 2017 is expected to be completed within the next few days or weeks, depending on how quickly local authorities send in their data.

So far, data from the UCR, available on the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s website, show a significant increase of reported violent crimes in the city of Columbia from 517 in 2016 to 578 in 2017. The number of violent crimes will increase for 2017 because December’s numbers haven’t been submitted yet, according to MSHP officials.

According to the Columbia Police Department, violent crimes include criminal homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault.

The data already show an increase in the number of homicides and aggravated assaults in 2017.

ABC 17 News will post the official numbers once they are available.