Delaware Rides Crime Wave in 1998

Crime soared in Delaware in 1998, with a significant spike in violent crimes across the state. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, which collects crime data from law enforcement agencies across the country, Delaware saw a notable increase in violent crime rates compared to the previous year.

The UCR program reported that violent crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, rose by 10.2% nationwide in 1998, marking the largest single-year increase in violent crime in nearly two decades. Delaware, however, experienced an even more dramatic spike in violent crime rates, with a 15% increase in violent crimes compared to 1997.

The national rise in violent crime in 1998 was attributed to several factors, including the growing prevalence of crack cocaine and other illicit substances, as well as the increasing presence of gangs and organized crime groups. Delaware, like many other states, was not immune to these national trends. The state’s proximity to major cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore, which were experiencing their own crime waves, also contributed to the rise in violent crime in Delaware.

Property crimes, such as burglary and larceny, also increased in Delaware in 1998, rising by 5.6% compared to the previous year. However, the spike in violent crimes was the most notable trend in the state’s crime statistics for 1998. The FBI’s UCR program reported that Delaware’s violent crime rate was higher than the national average, with 4.8 violent crimes per 1,000 inhabitants, compared to the national average of 4.5 per 1,000.

The rise in crime in Delaware in 1998 was a cause for concern among law enforcement officials and residents. The state’s crime wave was seen as a symptom of broader social issues, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of community resources. In response to the growing crime problem, Delaware law enforcement agencies implemented various initiatives aimed at reducing crime and improving public safety.