Delaware 1959: Burglary Rates Skyrocket

In 1959, Delaware’s burglary rates skyrocketed, reflecting a national trend of rising property crimes during the post-war economic boom. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, which collected data from participating law enforcement agencies across the country, Delaware’s burglary rate was among the highest in the nation.

The FBI UCR program, launched in 1930, aimed to provide a standardized system for collecting and analyzing crime data. In 1959, the program reported that burglary rates had increased by 12.6% nationally, with Delaware experiencing an even more substantial surge. This trend was not unique to Delaware, as many states across the country saw significant increases in burglary rates during the late 1950s.

Delaware’s economic growth in the post-war era contributed to the rising burglary rates. As the state’s population and economy expanded, so did the number of residential and commercial properties, creating more opportunities for burglars. Additionally, the increased availability of goods and services, particularly in the retail sector, made businesses more attractive targets for thieves.

Nationwide, the FBI UCR program reported that larceny-theft, which includes burglary, larceny from motor vehicles, and other forms of theft, accounted for the majority of reported crimes in 1959. This trend was consistent with the post-war era, during which the rise of consumer culture and the growth of suburbanization created a perfect storm for property crimes.

The rising burglary rates in Delaware and nationwide during the late 1950s highlighted the need for law enforcement agencies to adapt to the changing crime landscape. In response, many police departments began to implement new strategies, such as community policing and crime prevention programs, to combat the growing problem of property crimes. As the nation continued to urbanize and prosper, law enforcement agencies would be forced to confront the consequences of a changing society and economy.