Here in Roanoke we have been experiencing an uncharacteristic (given the last 5 years) increase in Part 1 violent crime this year. Actually the trend started last year. We have been hearing in the media that other large cities are seeing an increase in violence. However, it is unclear what the picture is here in the Commonwealth.
Overall, our violent crime is net up 17%, with a large increase in robberies (72%) driving this increase. Since robbery is a hybrid crime, both acquisitional and assaultive in nature, we’re not sure whether the primary motivations are instrumental or expressive.
What is the story in your jurisdiction? Are you experiencing a similar increase in robberies, especially street robberies? How about your aggravated assaults, are they on the rise, stable, or decreasing?
