With some 561,000 residents, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is known for its food scene, culture, and activities. However, the city has a problem with violent and property crime that makes home security in Milwaukee essential. With a total crime index (TCI) of four — with 100 being the safest — 96% of U.S. cities are safer than Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee
Violent crime remains an issue in Milwaukee, where the chance of becoming a victim is one in 68. Of 23,879 crimes reported in the city over the most recent 12-month period, 8,202 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 Boston, Massachusetts, with about 654,000 residents and a total crime index of 12. The chances of being victimized by violent crime in Boston are one in 161. Of 17,454 crimes reported over 12 months, 4,072 were in the violent category.
Detroit, Michigan, with some 633,000 residents, is another city of a similar size to Milwaukee. It has a TCI of 1, and over a 12-month period, some 12,707 of 42,009 crimes were violent.
And in Memphis, Tennessee, which has nearly 619,000 residents and a TCI of 0, there’s a one in 38 chance of experiencing a violent crime. That’s a rate of 26.05 per 1,000 residents.
Property Crime in Milwaukee
Then there is property crime, defined by the FBI as burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, and larceny theft. In Milwaukee, there’s a one in 36 chance of experiencing a property crime. That’s a rate of 27.93 per 1,000 residents.
In Boston, your chances of experiencing this type of crime are one in 29 — for a rate of 20.47 per 1,000 residents. Boston logged 13,382 property crimes over 12 months.
Compare Milwaukee’s data with that of Detroit, where you have a one in 22 chance of being victimized, for a rate of 46.27 per 1,000 residents.
The city of Memphis reported 53,727 property crimes over 12 months. Here, you have a one in 12 chance of victimization.
The Milwaukee Police Department
To help protect these areas, the police department in Milwaukee has almost 1,900 police officers. They strive to increase community engagement, dissuade crime, and help build sustainable neighborhoods.
The Milwaukee police headquarters can be found and contacted at 749 W. State Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233.
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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee. 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.