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Property Crime Trends in Sedgwick, Kansas: A Decade of Fluctuations
CATEGORY
Crime
DATA
Property Crime
Percent Owner Occupied
Median Income
Population
Sedgwick, Kansas, a small community with a population of 1,771 as of 2022, has experienced fluctuations in property crime rates over the past decade. From 2011 to 2019, the total number of property crimes increased from 13 to 16, representing a 23.08% increase. During this same period, the city's population decreased from 2,157 to 1,953, a decline of 9.46%.
Burglary trends in the city have shown significant variability. In 2011, there were 2 burglaries reported, representing 0.01% of the state's total. By 2019, this number had decreased to 1, accounting for 0.02% of the state's burglaries. The burglary rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated from 0.93 in 2011 to 0.51 in 2019. Despite the overall decrease in incidents, the city's share of state burglaries doubled, suggesting a potential shift in the distribution of these crimes across Kansas.
Larceny theft has been the most prevalent property crime in the city. In 2011, there were 9 reported cases, which increased to 14 by 2019, a 55.56% rise. The rate per 1,000 residents grew from 4.17 to 7.17 during this period. The city's contribution to state larceny theft cases also increased from 0.02% to 0.04%, indicating a faster growth rate compared to the state average.
Motor vehicle theft in the city has remained relatively stable, with 2 cases reported in 2011 and 1 case in 2019. However, the city's share of state motor vehicle thefts decreased from 0.03% to 0.02%. The rate per 1,000 residents slightly decreased from 0.93 to 0.51, reflecting the population decline.
Arson data for the city shows no reported cases from 2011 to 2019, indicating that this particular crime has not been a significant issue for the community during the observed period.
Examining correlations between property crime trends and demographic factors reveals some interesting patterns. As the population density decreased from 1,320 per square mile in 2011 to 1,195 in 2019, property crimes increased. This suggests that population density may not be a strong deterrent to property crime in this community. Additionally, there appears to be a correlation between the decline in homeownership rates (from 85% in 2013 to 67% in 2019) and the increase in property crimes, particularly larceny theft.
Applying predictive models to forecast property crime trends for the next seven years (up to 2029, which represents five years from now in 2024), we can anticipate a potential continuation of the observed patterns. If current trends persist, larceny theft may continue to rise, potentially reaching around 20 cases annually by 2029. Burglary and motor vehicle theft rates are likely to remain relatively stable, with slight fluctuations possible.
In summary, Sedgwick has experienced a noteworthy increase in property crimes, particularly larceny theft, despite a decreasing population. The city's contribution to state-level property crimes has generally increased, suggesting a localized trend that may require targeted interventions. The inverse relationship between homeownership rates and property crime rates underscores the potential importance of community stability in crime prevention. As the city moves forward, addressing these trends through community-based initiatives and targeted law enforcement strategies may be crucial in maintaining public safety and reversing the upward trend in property crimes.
