Is Your State Among the Top 5 for Property Crime?
The crime rate in the United States has always been relatively high. However, the prevalence of crime has decreased significantly in recent decades due to a variety of factors, such as rapidly advancing security technology and effective policing. Property crimes in America include theft, vandalism, burglary, shoplifting, larceny, arson, and motor vehicle theft, among other things.
According to research, the pandemic was a significant fueling factor for property crime, as most of the states on this list had seen a decrease in crime rates prior to 2020. Studies show that most Americans are more likely to be victims of nonviolent crimes than violent crimes, despite high homicide rates that are indicated by statistics in many states. Here are some of the states where property crime is most prevalent.
Maryland
According to a survey by patch, 97,487 property crime cases were reported in Maryland alone in 2020. Local stats show that crime rates have risen as of 2022, when Maryland's violent crime rate matched the national rate of 4 crimes per 1000 people. This raises the stakes for property owners, but fortunately, there are ways to stay ahead of any incidents. Safeguard your home if you live in any of these five states by consulting with professional locksmith services near you for a comprehensive security audit of your property. Such experts understand local security better and are easier to reach in an emergency especially if they have a 24-hour emergency response unit. They will also recommend cutting-edge security systems suited for commercial or residential property in Maryland.
Texas
With a population of 29.53 million, Texas is one of the world's largest cities and a vibrant entertainment hub, meaning higher crime rates than most states. In 2020, 659,160 property crimes were reported in the lone star state, an alarming rate compared to the state's population. This equates to approximately 2,245 crimes per 100,000 people, higher than the national average.
Despite the fact that property crime has consistently decreased over the last five years, Texas still has the highest property crime rate in the United States, which you cannot overlook when considering relocating. The majority of the cases, however, are concentrated in the state's largest cities, such as Houston, San Antonio, and Lubbock. Fortunately, property owners in Texas actively collaborate with security professionals to obtain the best security installations available today.
Washington
Despite being one of the safest states in the country, Washington has a higher rate of property crime than most other states. According to the FBI, property crime rates in Washington have risen over the last decade and are now 39% higher than the national average as of 2022.
Conversely, violent crime rates in the county were 28% lower than the national average. If you are considering relocating to the capital, investing in standard security measures to protect your residential or commercial property will provide you with the peace of mind to operate freely in the ever-green state.
The state of North Carolina
Larceny, burglary, motor vehicle theft, robbery, and arson are the most common types of property crime in North Carolina. In 2020, the state reported a total of 236,026 property crime cases. This translates to approximately 2,227 cases per 100,000 people, higher than the national rate. Larceny was the most common, accounting for roughly 70% of all nonviolent offences reported in the same year. Burglary accounted for approximately 21% of the total, while motor vehicle theft accounted for 9%.
Colorado
According to government reports, Colorado's overall crime rate decreased steadily between 1998 and 2012. However, the trend may have shifted over the last decade, particularly during the pandemic period. According to CPR, a report by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation shows that property crime increased by 20% between 2019 and 2021, while auto theft increased by 86%. According to FBI investigations conducted between 2019 and 2020, Colorado experienced one of the highest increases in crime, trailing only Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Utah.
Summary
Despite the fact that such high numbers can be frightening, the majority of property crimes are the result of carelessness, a lack of basic security, or poor implementation of security measures. The legal framework of the United States remains one of the most reliable in the world, so a few preventative measures can significantly improve security even in the most dangerous areas of the country. There is always a matching security solution that is effective enough for you, no matter how small or large your property is.
