Vegas Crime on the Rise in 2023, FBI Data Shows

While Vegas casino-related crime regularly makes news, recent data shows that some of the more serious types of crimes recorded a substantial dropImage Source: Shutterstock.com

According to theFBI’s newly released crime statistics for 2023,Las Vegasrecorded a slight increase in overall offenses. The LVMPD reported a1.4% increasein total offenses:133,718crimes last year against 131,884in 2022. It is yet unknown whether this trend will extend into 2024, but September has seen several bizarre and unexpected criminal incidents.

Law Enforcement Is Focusing on Tourist Safety

The FBI data reveals that while some crime categories went down, others shot up, painting a mixed pictureof the city’s public safety. Homicides notably decreased by about 12%, with 146 incidentsthis year, from167in 2022. Animal cruelty cases also dropped significantly by 20%, with125incidents this year, down from 156 in the year prior.

However, drug-related crimesspiked dramatically. Narcotics and drug offenses were up 10%, with 9,863 casesin 2023 from 8,935 in the previous year. CaptainSteve Connellwith the LVMPD commented on the matter for FOX5, detailing the department’s strategy to curb this spike indrug-related crimes. He added that keeping the tourist corridor safe remains a priority for law enforcement.

We are making arrests for drugs to prevent drug-related violence. We are ngaking the weapons out of the hands of potential offenders before they use them.

Captain Steve Connell, LVMPD 

The proliferation of drugs reflects ongoing concernsabout drug-related violence and trafficking in the city. Authorities have recordedsubstantial successwith their  “Edged Weapon Initiative,” which has resulted in300 arreststhis year, further strengthening the city’s stance against potential violence. Its overall success will become clear in the FBI’s 2024 report.

Bizarre Crimes Continue to Surprise Authorities

Vegas has a reputation as an epicenter for some strange and unexpected crimes. September had several notable cases, like aNorth Carolina pastor who got arrested after he called the police for stolen property from his hotel room. When the police questioned him, the 61-year-old confessed to having a weapon in his hotel room. Officers found an AR-15 riflewith a scope and a large amount of fentanyl.

Another bizarre incident happened at Affordable Cremation & Burial, a funeral home. A womanbroke into the premisesand stole a coffin containing a human body, only to later dump both outside the facility. When apprehended, the suspect told the police that she had drank six beersbefore the accident and added that alcohol often makes her black out.

Based on the crime data, local law enforcement is working to revise its strategiesregarding rising offenses. LVMPDtracks trends weeklyto identify areas needing more patrols and crime prevention efforts. Law enforcement officials remain vigilantin curbing drug-related offenses and preventing further violence while also handling the bizarre and sometimes shocking incidents that capture public attention.