Savannah police, CCPD chiefs breakdown recent data statistics

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - According to the most recent Savannah Police Department report, violent crime in the city limits is down compared to this time last year, but property crimes are up.

Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther and Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley went over their recent data findings at a scheduled event with the Historic Savannah Branch NAACP.

Violent crime down, auto thefts at 10-year low

The report with statistics, as of September 12, showed violent crime overall has seen a 10% reduction this year compared to the same time last year. Gunther said summer violent crime hit a five-year low. Certain categories, like auto thefts, hit their lowest numbers in the past 10 years.

“These aren’t routine declines; these are decade-defining reductions, and we’re going to stay the pace,” Gunther said.

Despite recent shootings in city limits, the report shows a 21% decrease in shooting reports this year compared to last year. Shooting reports were 16% lower in the summer, bringing the lowest numbers in the last five years.

“We are not here to take a victory lap; we will not do that. We are here because the work is not finished,” Gunther said. “A united Savannah is a safer and robust community,” Gunther said.

Another area of concern for the city of Savannah is shoplifting. There have been 797 shoplifting reports this year, over 200 more than the same time last year.

Fraud losses top $6 million this year

Chief Hadley said his biggest area of concern is fraud. He said there has been a 113% increase in money stolen through scams year-over-year.

“So far this year our residents have been scammed out of $6.4 million,” Hadley said.

The most a person has lost this year is $3.8 million, according to Hadley.

“We have almost on a weekly basis someone that loses seventy thousand, eighty thousand dollars. These are good people; they’re smart people,” Hadley said.

Hadley reminds county residents that scammers will not text them, and a bank will never call for an immediate payment or to move money around. He said when in doubt, residents should visit the offices in person.