TRUMBULL COUNTY In Warren, crime is on the rise

Rapes have increased by 72 percent, records show.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Major crime has increased in the city and officials are not sure why.
City police records show the crimes of rape, robbery and burglary have substantially increased this year as compared to last year.
Rapes have increased by 72 percent while burglaries went up 30 percent, and there was a 21-percent jump in robberies.
There also have been slight increases in assault and larceny crimes.
Police officials say the overall amount of crime has increased by 18 percent.
"I don't know what's causing the increase, but it's probably a combination of things," said Doug Franklin, the city's safety-service director. "I've been surprised at the number of residents that have been asking for our help because they are concerned about the crime."
He noted that most of the crimes don't seem to be centered in any particular area of the city.
"It just seems to be happening all over," Franklin said.
Mayor's theory
Mayor Michael O'Brien said he thinks the increase may be based on economics and the prevalent use of alcohol and narcotics.
"Burglaries are usually the results of drug problems," O'Brien said. "It's a nationwide epidemic."
There has been a slight decrease in homicides. There were four homicides this year as compared to five last year at this time.
The amount of calls complaining about shootings in the city has increased, however. Shooting calls have nearly doubled since this time last year.
Last month, the city received 60 calls about shots being fired, compared with 36 such calls in June 2003, said police Capt. Tim Bowers.
City police reports show the majority of the shootings occurred on the city's southeast and northwest sides.
"I don't think it has anything to do with police presence," said Councilman Gary Fonce, D-at large.
Councilman Sue Hartman, D-7th, and chairwoman of the police and fire committee, agrees and says she thinks the increase in crime is a "sign of our times."
"I think that when our force had to lay off [police officers] a few years ago, a lot of bad elements came into our city," Hartman said. "Our officers are doing everything they can."
sinkovich@vindy.com