NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) — Newark’s crime stats for 2024 reveal a mixed picture, city officials announced Monday, with murders down but overall violent crime ticking up.
The numbers revealed homicides decreased 23% in the city from last year, marking the lowest level since the 1940s.
On the flip side, there was a 9% increase in aggravated assaults — half of which were from reports of domestic violence.
“There’s no doubt Newark is moving in the right direction,” said Alexander Albu, first assistant prosecutor of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. “The changes last year from 2023 to 2024 were just another example of that marked improvement that we see in broad categories of violent crime.”
Officials credit partnerships with various community agencies and social services groups in helping ward off crime because they are more than trusted than police but also work with police to help solve issues.
Lisa James, who was victim of gun violence in 2016 and lost her son in 2019, is one of those middlemen who respond to scenes and homes in crisis which help avert the worst possible outcomes.
“People are in tears because they need help,” added James. “They thank me for being there.”
The community as a whole are also doing their part to battle crime. Increased community intervention, responding to basic needs like food, clothing, job assistance are all up and helping reduce crime.
LaKeesha Eure, Newark’s Deputy Mayor of Public Safety, added she’s also successfully brought rival gangs together every week to be a part of the solution.
“Every Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday we do brunch with them,” she said. “We talk about what’s happening in those neighborhoods. They do weekly reports.”
Data also showed a 12% decrease in non-fatal shootings. Officers also recovered 8% more ghost guns than last year.
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