With just 7,637 residents, Millsboro, Delaware, is known for its history and culture. However, the somewhat small coastal town has a problem with violent and property crime that makes home security in Millsboro essential. With a total crime index (TCI) of 14 — with 100 being the safest — 86% of U.S. cities are safer than Millsboro, 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 Millsboro
Violent crime remains an issue in Millsboro, where the chance of becoming a victim is one in 263. Of 190 crimes reported in the city over the most recent 12-month period, 29 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 Glenwood Springs, Colorado, with about 10,000 residents and a total crime index of four. The chances of being victimized by violent crime in Glenwood are one in 238. Of 432 crimes reported over 12 months, 43 were in the violent category.
But in historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the chance of becoming a victim is one in 1,059. Of the 57 crimes reported in the city over the most recent 12-month period, just eight were violent.
And in Whitefish, Montana, 17 of 141 crimes were violent. The city of some 9,000 residents has a total crime index of 29 and a one in 539 chance of violent victimization.
Dahlonega, Georgia, with some 7,585 residents, is another city close in size to Millsboro. It has a TCI of 59 and over a 12-month period, just eight of 51 reported crimes were violent.
And in Highland Park, Michigan, which has nearly 8,443 residents and a TCI of two, there’s a one in 54 chance of experiencing a violent crime. That’s a rate of 18.36 per 1,000 residents. Of 472 crimes reported, 155 were violent.
Property Crime in Millsboro
Then there is property crime, defined by the FBI as burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, and larceny theft. In Millsboro, there’s a one in 263 chance of experiencing a property crime. That’s a rate of 3.80 per 1,000 residents. Of the city’s 161 property crimes, 18 were burglaries.
In Glenwood Springs, your chances of experiencing this type of crime are one in 26 — for a rate of 37.95 per 1,000 residents. The city logged 389 property crimes over 12 months. Compare that city’s rates with those of Gettysburg, where you have a one in 173 chance of being victimized, for a rate of 5.79 per 1,000 residents. The city reported 49 property crimes over 12 months.
As for the property crime picture in Whitefish, you have a one in 74 chance of victimization. Of all crimes there, 124 were in the property category. Those residing in Dahlonega have a one in 176 chance of being victimized by property crime. The city reported 43 such crimes over 12 months. And in the Detroit enclave of Highland Park, 317 of all reported crimes were in the property category, for a rate of 37.55 per 1,000 residents. There’s a 127 chance of experiencing a property crime in Highland Park.
The Millsboro Police Department
The Millsboro Police Department, located at 120 W. Railroad Ave. in Millsboro, has 21 sworn officers as of 2023. At the time, the department had been focusing on becoming fully staffed due to an expanding population.
Rather than multiple precincts, the department operates out of the new Railroad Avenue building. The facility — about double the size of the old structure — houses a criminal investigation unit, training facility, and officer quarters.
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 Millsboro 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 Millsboro. 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.
