Lexington city data reporting shows a continuing decline in violent crime. The city reports a 14 percent decrease in violent crime last year compared to 2023, though last month’s numbers have yet to be finalized. From January to November, 2024 saw 8,206 violent crimes committed. 2023 numbers saw 9,553 during that same time frame. Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers says they’re working on preventative efforts and have been encouraging the community to reach out. “What we’re trying to work on now is, why don’t you come to us before something happens? And we’re going to continue that. If the numbers keep continuing to drop, we’re going to stay down that path,” Weathers said. Weathers also says they’re focusing on community policing, and preventative initiatives like ONE Lexington. “They try to give people resources to kind of offset those conflicts and come to resolutions before they get out of hand,” Weathers said. There was one less homicide investigation across all of last year compared to 2023, with 22 investigations reported. That’s half of Lexington’s reported total three years ago, with 44 investigations in 2022. Shooting investigations last year also went down by 19, from 84 in 2023 to 65 in 2024. From that January to November period, 11 more rapes and 35 more assaults were also committed last year compared to 2023. Crime data is publicly available online. ** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation. The post Lexington Police Chief discusses decline in violent crime appeared first on The Lexington Times.