Crime in New Hampshire 1955: A Glimpse into the Past

Crime in New Hampshire 1955 was marked by a significant trend: burglary was on the rise. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, burglary rates across the United States increased by 11% between 1954 and 1955. This nationwide trend was reflected in New Hampshire, where burglary was a dominant crime type.

During the post-war era, economic prosperity and increased consumerism drove growth in burglary rates. As Americans moved to suburban areas, homes became softer targets for thieves. The FBI UCR program reported that burglary rates increased in nearly every state, with a national average of 3.2 burglaries per 1,000 inhabitants in 1955.

Violent crime rates, on the other hand, remained relatively stable in New Hampshire during 1955. According to the FBI UCR program, the national rate of violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants was 5.1 in 1955. In New Hampshire, this rate was slightly lower, with a focus on crimes such as assault and battery, which were common in public places like bars and taverns.

The UCR program also highlighted a rise in larceny rates across the country, with a national average of 2,400.9 reported incidents per 100,000 inhabitants in 1955. New Hampshire followed the national trend, with larceny remaining a significant crime type in the state.

Despite the rise in crime rates, New Hampshire remained a relatively safe state in 1955. With a strong emphasis on community policing and a growing concern for public safety, law enforcement agencies in the state worked to address the growing crime problem. The FBI UCR program provided valuable data to inform law enforcement strategies and improve public safety.