Montclair Crime Rate Up Nearly 5%, Says Report

The overall crime rate in Montclair rose about 5 percent in 2011 compared to 2010, according to a state report. 

There was a total of 768 crimes committed in 2011, according to the New Jersey State Police Uniform Crime Report released last week. Out of eight categories of crimes, Montclair’s numbers increased in six of them.

The largest jump was in motor vehicle thefts. There was a 182 percent increase last year, going from 23 incidents in 2010 to 65 in 2011.  

When it came to violent crime, Montclair had a total of 81 incidents in 2011, up from 75 the previous year. While reports of rape decreased from four to one during that time, there was one murder, 46 robberies and 33 assaults -- all up from 2010.  

The increase in crime in 2011 continues the trend in the township for a second year in a row. Crime rose 18 percent in 2011 compared to 2009, when there were 654 crimes reported.

In addition, the police force in 2011 was smaller compared to previous years. There were 115 police officers in the department last year, down from 127 in 2010, 129 in 2009, and 133 in 2008. 

Throughout the state, overall crime rose 3-percent from 2010 to 2011. To read more about state numbers, click here. 

 

 

Offenses 

 

2011 2010 2009  Homicide 1 0 0 Arson 5 3 6 Rape 1 4 1 Robbery 46 41 48 Aggravated Assault 33 30 41 Burglary 188 184 158 Larceny/Theft 429 447 347

 

Motor Vehicle Theft

 

65 23 26 Total 768 732

654