Today, the Bellevue Police Department released a short video to acknowledge both the successes and challenges that have shaped our past year. Join us in exploring the dynamic landscape of the past year, highlighting achievements, and addressing areas of concern.
Crime Reduction Successes: The dedication of the Bellevue Police Department and the collaboration with our community resulted in a 5 percent decrease in overall crime. Notably, commercial burglaries and residential burglaries saw significant reductions of 20 and 22 percent respectively, showcasing the effectiveness of our crime prevention strategies.
Auto Theft Challenges: While celebrating successes, we acknowledge the 47 percent increase in auto thefts during 2023. This spike was predominantly driven by a notable surge in thefts of KIA and Hyundai vehicles. Recognizing this challenge, we are actively working to address and combat this trend through targeted initiatives and community involvement, and in 2023 we gave away over 400 steering wheel locks to vehicle owners, with more events planned in the coming year.
Community Crisis Assistance Team Launch: In response to the evolving needs of our community, the Bellevue Police Department launched the Community Crisis Assistance Team. This specialized unit is dedicated to providing support and assistance during crisis situations, ensuring a compassionate and effective response to community members in need.
DUI Enforcement and Staffing: Department members made 306 DUI arrests in 2023, emphasizing our dedication to keeping Bellevue’s streets safe. Additionally, the Bellevue Police Department welcomed 33 new sworn staff members, reinforcing our efforts to enhance our capabilities and better serve the community.
K-9 Unit Achievements: Our K-9 unit played a vital role in law enforcement efforts, conducting 78 successful tracks resulting in 31 felony apprehensions and 8 misdemeanor apprehensions. These accomplishments underscore the effectiveness of our K-9 unit in maintaining public safety.
Looking Ahead: As we move into a new year, the Bellevue Police Department remains committed to building on our successes and addressing emerging challenges. We appreciate the ongoing support of the Bellevue community and are dedicated to working collaboratively to make Bellevue the place where you want to be!
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