New crime statistics show violent crime is down in Minneapolis, hovering around its lowest levels in 30 years. A collection of crimes that include homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault were down 5 percent through the first 11 months of the year. The Minneapolis Star Tribune says a deeper look at the numbers paints a more troubling picture for communities struggling with stubbornly high violent crime numbers. Murders and assaults were down citywide, but rapes and robberies were up.
That is why residents in some of the most violent and crime-ravaged communities don't feel much of a break in crime. Gunfire, death and mayhem loom as large as ever in these areas, and there is deep skepticism that the rise in gang- and drug-related crimes in other cities won't soon visit their neighborhoods. Many residents say they don't feel as safe as they used to years ago. “Back then you didn't have to worry about feeling safe,” said Joyce Yellowhammer, who works at the Upper Midwest American Indian Center. “Right now you have to lock our doors: We didn't have to then.”