Violent crime numbers up in Columbia for 2015

Violent crime numbers for 2015 are up in Columbia in almost every category.

After three shootings in north Columbia in a one month span and no arrests, ABC 17 News started sifting through the crime stats.

According to the Uniform Crime Reports for the city of Columbia, by the end of May, there were more than 200 violent crimes in the city.

The same time last year the city was up to 131 violent crimes.

Every category is up except homicide and larceny.

Here’s a breakdown by crime from January to May:

Homicides: 1

Rapes: 41

Robberies: 53

Aggravated Assaults: 136

Burglaries: 289

Larceny Thefts: 915

Car thefts: 69

The Mayor’s Task Force on Community Violence met for one year and dissolved last fall after making suggestions to the council about how to combat crime in the city.

The only action taken since then is banning the box, meaning an employer can’t ask if you’ve had a prior felony until a job offer is made.