Pennsylvania Crime Wave 2018

The Keystone State was plagued by a rise in violent crime in 2018, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. The data revealed that Pennsylvania experienced a 2.6 percent increase in violent crime rates compared to the previous year.

This uptick in violent crime mirrored a national trend, as the United States as a whole saw a 3.3 percent increase in violent crime rates in 2018. The FBI UCR program collects and analyzes crime data from law enforcement agencies across the country, providing a comprehensive picture of crime trends.

In Pennsylvania, homicide rates were particularly concerning, with a 4.6 percent increase in 2018 compared to the previous year. This increase was part of a larger national trend, as the US saw a 6.1 percent increase in homicide rates in 2018. The opioid crisis and gang violence were contributing factors to the rise in homicides during this period.

Property crime rates also remained a concern in Pennsylvania, with a 1.1 percent increase in 2018 compared to the previous year. Burglary and larceny-theft were among the most common property crimes, reflecting a national trend where opportunistic crimes were on the rise.

The FBI UCR program has been collecting crime data since 1930, providing a valuable resource for law enforcement agencies and policymakers to understand and address crime trends. In 2018, the program reported that the overall crime rate in the US had decreased by 0.2 percent compared to the previous year, despite the increases in violent crime rates. The data highlights the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of crime and implement effective crime prevention strategies.