With some 320,000 residents, Lexington, Kentucky, is known for its scenic atmosphere, culture, and activities. However, the city has a problem with violent and property crime that makes home security in Lexington essential. With a total crime index (TCI) of eight — with 100 being the safest — 92% of U.S. cities are safer than Lexington, according to the latest Neighborhood Scout data, which gleans information from multiple government sources. Here’s how the city’s crime picture compares to other municipalities of comparable size.
Violent Crime in Lexington
Violent crime remains an issue in Lexington, where the chance of becoming a victim is one in 137. Of 10,317 crimes reported in the city over the most recent 12-month period, 848 were violent. The FBI defines violent crime as being one of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault.
Then there is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with about 303,000 residents and a total crime index of 5. The chances of being victimized by violent crime in Pittsburgh are one in 189. Of 11,574 crimes reported over 12 months, 1,602 were in the violent category.
Cincinnati, Ohio, with some 311,000 residents, is another city of a similar size to Lexington. It has a TCI of 3, and over a 12-month period, some 15,574 of 2,265 crimes were violent.
And in St. Petersburg, Florida, which has nearly 264,000 residents and a TCI of 8, there’s a one in 174 chance of experiencing a violent crime. That’s a rate of 5.76 per 1,000 residents.
Property Crime in Lexington
Then there is property crime, defined by the FBI as burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, and larceny theft. In Lexington, there’s a one in 34 chance of experiencing a property crime. That’s a rate of 29.01 per 1,000 residents.
In Pittsburgh, your chances of experiencing this type of crime are one in 30 — for a rate of 32.88 per 1,000 residents. Pittsburgh logged 41,013 property crimes over 12 months.
Compare Lexington’s data with that of Cincinnati, where you have a one in 23 chance of being victimized, for a rate of 42.78 per 1,000 residents.
The city of St. Petersburg reported 7,028 property crimes over 12 months. Here, you have a one in 38 chance of victimization.
The Lexington Police Department
To help protect these areas, the police department in Lexington is budgeted for 641 sworn officers and nearly 150 civilian personnel. They protect urban and suburban areas, and the Lexington Police Department is the largest division within the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.
The Lexington police headquarters can be found and contacted at 150 E. Main St., Lexington, KY 40507.
How to Stay Safe
Monitored home security systems can help play a crucial role in preventing crime by working closely with local police like those in the Lexington area. These systems work in tandem with law enforcement and first responders to lessen the chance of being the victim of a crime or emergency.
With a monitored security system, when an alarm is triggered, the security company’s monitoring center immediately assesses the situation and notifies law enforcement if necessary. By providing real-time information, such as the nature of the alarm and whether it’s a break-in or fire, first responders can respond more quickly and efficiently. The partnership between first responders and a monitored home security company helps enhance public safety and reduce response times.
In Summary
Compared to other cities with similar populations, incidences of property and violent crime are real problems in Lexington. Meanwhile, in the U.S. as a whole, a residential break-in occurs every 26 seconds. Further, homes with no security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized wherever they are. Some 83% of would-be burglars search for the presence of an alarm system before attempting a break-in. That’s why monitored home security systems from Guardian Protection offer around-the-clock monitoring to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered by professionals who work closely with first responders, every hour of the day.