Police calls down 3.3% in first half of 2014

Longboat Key police responded to 2,977 calls for service between January and June, a 3.3% decrease from the first half of 2013.

The highest percentage of service calls fell under the category of fire department assistance, with a total of 623 calls during the first half of 2014, a 23.5% decrease over last year. Burglar alarm responses were up 13.1%, with 428 this year, compared to 372 in 2013.

The first six months included 84 burglary and larceny cases, up 42.9% from last year. Traffic-related activity, including accidents were up to 842 for 2014, a 26.6% increase.

Crimes of violence, including battery and sexual offenses, rose from four cases to five during the first half of 2014.

“In summary, the Police Department is experiencing a level of activity in all areas typical with seasonal fluctuation and criminal activity commonly associated with this community,” Longboat Key Police Chief Pete Cumming wrote in a memo to Town Manager Dave Bullock.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].