With about 104,000 residents, Columbia, Maryland, is known for its cultural events, walkability, and outdoor activities. However, the city has a problem with violent and property crime that makes home security in Columbia, MD essential. With a total crime index (TCI) of 11— with 100 being the safest — Columbia is safer than just 11% of U.S. cities, 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 Columbia
Violent crime is an issue in Columbia, where the chance of becoming a victim is one in 463. Of 2,919 crimes reported in the city over the most recent 12-month period, 226 were violent. That’s a rate of 2.16 per 1,000 residents. The FBI defines violent crime as as being one of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault.
Then there is Burbank, California, with about 102,000 residents and a total crime index of six. The chance of being victimized by violent crime in Burbank is one in 270. Of 3,652 crimes reported over 12 months, 381 were in the violent category.
But Murrieta, another California city, has about 111,000 residents and a TCI of 31. There, the chance of becoming a victim is one in 583. Of the 1,600 crimes reported in the city over the most recent 12-month period, 192 were violent. That’s a rate of 1.72 per 1,000 residents.
And in Centennial, Colorado, 223 of 2,264 crimes were violent. The city of some 106,000 residents has a total crime index of 18 and a one in 479 chance of violent victimization.
Everett, Washington, with some 111,000 residents, is another city close in size to Columbia. It has a TCI of three and over a 12-month period, 435 of 5,072 reported crimes were violent.
And in West Jordan, Utah, which has about 114,000 residents and a TCI of 17, there’s a one in 314 chance of experiencing a violent crime. That’s a rate of 3.19 per 1,000 residents. Of 2,594 crimes reported, 366 were violent.
Property Crime in Columbia
Then there is property crime, defined by the FBI as burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, and larceny theft. In Columbia, there’s a one in 39 chance of experiencing a property crime. That’s a rate of 25.73 per 1,000 residents. In all, there were 2,693 property crimes reported.
In Murrieta, your chances of experiencing this type of crime is one in 79 — for a rate of 12.59 per 1,000 residents. The city logged 1,408 property crimes over 12 months.
Compare that city’s rates with those of Centennial, where you have a one in 52 chance of being victimized, for a rate of 19.10 per 1,000 residents. The city reported 2.041 property crimes over 12 months. As for the property crime picture in Everett, you have a one in 24 chance of victimization. Of all crimes there, 4,637 were in the property category. That’s a rate of 41.71 per 1,000 residents.
Those residing in West Jordan have a one in 52 chance of being victimized by property crime. The city reported 2,228 such crimes over 12 months for a rate of 19.39 per 1,000 residents.
The Columbia Police Department
Because Columbia is a planned community within Howard County, the main law enforcement agency serving the city is the Howard County Police Department (HCPD). In addition to Columbia, the department serves all of Howard County — 251 square miles. To date, the HCPD has some 700 employees, including sworn officers as well as civilians.
Rather than precincts, the department divides the county into two districts — North and Southern. Each district has its own headquarters:
- Northern District headquarters is at 3410 CourtHouse Drive, Ellicott, MD
- Southern District headquarters is at 11226 Scaggsville Road, Laurel, MD
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 Columbia 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 Columbia. 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.
