Crime in Des Moines (2010, apartment, crime rates)

[xz2y]

I just looked at the crime sheet for the Des Moines Register and was amazed at how many car break-ins were listed in all parts of the city. Is this a new problem in the city? Des Moines doesn't seem to have a lot of major crime from what I've read and from the crime statistics I've seen, but seeing all these car break-ins, both in apartment parking lots and in private neighborhoods, makes me wonder what's happening. Seems pretty extensive and a huge hassle and cost for people affected.

[Moving Iowa]

It’s the economy! Desperate times call for desperate measures. As the economy goes down the crime will go up.

[xz2y]

Yeah. That makes sense, though some of these car break-ins seem to be "vandalism for the sake of vandalism," based on the reports I've read. Though, maybe they were looking for stuff to steal and didn't necessarily see it before breaking into the car (i.e., a purse left on a car seat, etc).

[CrazyHorsePete]

We do have car break-ins and vandalism here, but probably no more so than any other city of comparable size. Petty crime is a problem in most cities. Des Moines has a very low violent crime rate. You can replace a purse or stereo; you can't replace your life.

[ehenningsen]

wow people, every city in america is worried about their crime rate..

Even cities like Des Moines and Omaha which are Core cities have people panicking about it even though we are well below the average for core cities.

[CrazyHorsePete]

It is a legitimate concern, however, especially with the way the media tends to blow things out of proportion. I have lived in Des Moines for several years, and have never once been the victim of a crime, nor have I ever felt unsafe here.

[capitalcityguy]

Originally Posted by Moving Iowa

It’s the economy! Desperate times call for desperate measures. As the economy goes down the crime will go up.

Actually no. If this was true, crime rates would have increased during the Great Depression. They did not.

[xz2y]

I can't believe this. I just read in the Des Moines Register newspaper that thugs broke into the children's zoo in Cedar Raids and stoned to death about 50 ducks......I am so appalled I can't believe it! This is not to suggest that CR has crime any worse than other places, but this is so unreal. So senseless and in a city that is trying to grapple with major flood damage. What is going on???? Are these thugs coming from other places or what?

[Luke9686]

I have to disagree with it having to do with the economy. Good people normally won't turn to petty crimes in time of economic need. I know I wouldn't. I just make cut backs in spending.

Car break ins have always been there, and always will be.

[Ladyxan]

Speaking of crime in Des Moines, would you suggest living near the Iowa Fairgrounds? Near Drake?

Thanks!

PS: How did you look up the crime stats on the register?