With some 30,000 residents, Morgantown, West Virginia, is known for its college campus, arts scene, and outdoor activities. However, the city has a problem with violent and property crime that makes home security in Morgantown essential. With a total crime index (TCI) of 12 — with 100 being the safest — 88% of U.S. cities are safer than Morgantown, 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 Morgantown
Violent crime remains an issue in Morgantown, where the chance of becoming a victim is one in 245. Of 830 crimes reported in the city over the most recent 12-month period, 124 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 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with about 50,000 residents and a total crime index of nine. The chances of being victimized by violent crime in Harrisburg are one in 93. Of 1,562 crimes reported over 12 months, 536 were in the violent category.
In Painesville, Ohio, with around 21,000 residents, the chance of becoming a victim is one in 212. Of the 179 crimes reported in the city over the most recent 12-month period, 97 were violent.
Charleston, West Virginia, with some 47,000 residents, has a TCI of three and over a 12-month period, some 286 of 2,084 crimes were violent.
Property Crime in Morgantown
Then there is property crime, defined by the FBI as burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, and larceny theft. In Morgantown, there’s a one in 43 chance of experiencing a property crime. That’s a rate of 23.20 per 1,000 residents.
In Harrisburg, your chances of experiencing this type of crime are one in 49 — for a rate of 20.52 per 1,000 residents.
Painesville logged 82 property crimes over 12 months. Here, you have a one in 251 chance of being victimized, for a rate of 3.98 per 1,000 residents.
As for the property crime picture in Charleston, you have a one in 26 chance of victimization. Of all 2,084 crimes there, 1,798 were in the property category for a rate of 38.39 per 1,000 residents.
The Morgantown Police Department
The police department in Morgantown has 76 sworn officers and 12 civilian support staff. It covers about 11 square miles, including West Virginia University with an annual enrollment of approximately 30,000 students.
The Morgantown Police Department is located on 300 Spruce Street.
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 Morgantown 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 Morgantown. 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.
