By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
Aug. 1, 2002
Tuesday's bank robbery at Great Southern National Bank marked the first of the year in a crime category that was a growing problem in Meridian a year ago.
In a span of two months last year September and October four banks were robbed in Meridian.
For the first six months of 2002, though, the number of robberies and commercial burglaries reported to the Meridian Police Department was down.
There have been 69 commercial burglaries, down by 11, and 24 robberies, down by 33, reported so far this year.
Both numbers please Meridian Police Chief Benny DuBose.
But while some numbers were down, the city saw an increase in the number of auto burglaries and residential burglaries.
There have been 256 reported auto burglaries this year, up by 47, and 172 residential burglaries, up by 22.
MPD Det. Deano Harper said trying to control the rise and fall of different crimes is a balancing act.
Harper said the sharp rise in the number of the city's auto burglaries was a result of one bad month. In April 63 auto burglaries were reported, 29 more than the previous year, Harper said.
Crime statistics
Here's a look at the number of auto, commercial and residential burglaries, motor vehicle thefts and robberies reported to the Meridian Police Department in the first six months of 2002 compared to the first six months of 2001:
Auto burglaries 209
Residential burglaries 150
Commercial burglaries 80
Robberies 57
Motor vehicle theft 68
Auto burglaries 256
Residential burglaries 172
Commercial burglaries 69
Robberies 24
Motor vehicle theft 69