Madison police stats reveal no increase in major crimes

MADISON — Crime stats show no major violent crimes committed in the city of Madison for 2022 despite what authorities called a “slight increase” in property crimes and assault cases.

“I am glad to report there were no major violent crimes within the city of Madison in 2022,” Madison Police Chief gene Waldrop said. “Madison continues to enjoy a relatively low crime rate.”

According to National Incident Based Reporting System standards major violent crimes include murder, manslaughter and rape.

NIBRS data shows there was a slight increase in Total Group A offenses reported for the calendar year 2022 mainly consisting of property crimes - specifically financial crimes, embezzlement (by employees), fraud and shoplifting. Group A offenses are broken down into three categories: crimes against persons, crimes against property and crimes against society.

“We continually remind our citizens to secure their homes and garages when not in use, remove valuables from their automobiles and secure them at all times preferably in the trunk,” Waldrop said.

Embezzlement increased from four offenses recorded in 2021 to 15 in 2022. MPD investigated 71 instances of shoplifting in 2022, an increase of 18 offenses from the year before and 84 instances of fraud, up from 43 in 2021. Despite the increase in fraud, police did report a drop in identity theft from 90 instances reported in 2021 to only 64 in 2022 as well as a decrease in motor vehicle theft from five offenses in 2021 to only one in 2022.

Assaults also increased with the majority of assault cases consisting of the offenders knowing the victims, Waldrop said. Crime statistics show 61 simple assault offenses recorded in 2022 along with 12 aggravated assault offenses. Eleven of the 12 aggravated assault cases were cleared and 44 of the simple assault cases were cleared.