HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-08-17 - Media Attention to Violent Crime in TukwilaAllan Ekberg, Mayor
Police Department - Mike Villa, Chief
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Type of Incident: Media Attention to Violent Crime in Tukwila
Location: Ci
Date /Time Occurred: July /August 2016 Case #:
Press Contact: Acting Deputy Chief Rick Mitchell Phone #: 206 - 431 -3673
This release is in response to questions about the recent violent crime in Tukwila. First and foremost,
we want to emphasize that our hearts go out the victims of these crimes. We are working hard to
solve these cases, and bring charges against those responsible. Further, we are actively involved with
our community and working together to prevent future crime.
There is no evidence that ties together the four violent crimes reported in the media over the last
several weeks. There is no one person or group that links them together. While this atypical spike in
crime is concerning, it is not reflective of Tukwila and it does not represent a crime trend. As a
matter of fact, in 2012, we initiated proven crime reduction strategies that have resulted in significant
decreases in crimes. In 2015 Tukwila experienced a 15 -year low in robberies and a 10 -year low in
residential burglaries. We saw a 19% drop in aggravated assaults from 2014 to 2015. During 2016
these crimes have continued to be within the 2015 range.
We will continue to implement our strategies of directing resources to crime hot spots, completing
thorough and timely investigations, and being visible and accessible in our community. We are
committed to these efforts and our community partnerships as they are essential in keeping our
neighborhoods safe.
6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 • Phone (206)433 -1808 • Records Fax (206)244 -6181