Violent crime down in Columbia in 2016 versus 2015

Overall crime in Columbia in 2016 is down compared to 2015.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Uniform Crime Reporting statistics, crime in 2016 saw a decrease in numerous categories compared to 2015.

Breaking down the comparisons, 517 violent crimes were reported in 2016; in 2015 600 violent crimes were reported.

Some 3,258 property crimes were reported in 2016; in 2015, 3,644 were reported.

While many categorized crimes saw a decrease, rape and homicides saw an increase.

In 2016, 109 rapes were reported and six homicides occurred.

In 2015, 80 rapes were reported and one homicide occurred.

ABC 17 News reached out to the Columbia Police Department to see if they could comment on the numbers reported, Public Information Officer Latisha Stroer said the department did not feel comfortable commenting on the numbers until the state approves the final numbers.