The world is currently going through a pandemic that’s leading to some strangely unprecedented moments, like most of the country being shutdown. Miami Dade County has been in some form of lockdown since the middle of March due to the coronavirus outbreak. Since then homicide numbers appear to have been up over last year’s numbers in every city except for City of Miami, who went 55 days without a single murder – the longest streak since 1956. Most of the murderless days took place before the lockdown was put into order leaving experts to wonder what sparked the change in that specific area.
While there is a decrease in homicide in City of Miami, there appears to be a spike in homicide in the rest of Miami Dade County. A Miami Herald article states, “Unincorporated Miami-Dade had one of the largest spikes in homicides this year at 19 percent, according to records received from the Miami-Dade Police Department. There had been 31 reported homicides in unincorporated Miami-Dade, compared to 26 over the same time period a year ago.”
Miami Dade Sees Decrease in Most Crimes in Early 2020
Yes, homicides are up, but in better news, it seems that crime in every other category is down. Up to this point in 2020, burglaries are reported to be down 17 percent, thefts down 22 percent, robberies are 15 percent less than now, assaults are down 35 percent and there are 31 percent less reported sex offenses. Law enforcement is unclear whether or not this is due to citizens following the stay at home order, or if less crime is being reported during this time.
We’re living in a world that will make it to history books. Crime statistics may go up or go down, but we’re all in this together and it’s important to look out for each other and for everyone’s safety. If you or someone you love have found themselves in trouble with the law, whether it is related to the coronavirus outbreak or not, having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is imperative. Russell Spatz has more than four decades of experience and always puts his clients and their needs first. Contact him today at 305-442-0200 to tell him your story and to see how he can help you get back on your feet.
References:
Rabin, Charles, and David Ovalle. “Coronavirus Lockdown Hasn’t Cooled off Murders in Miami-Dade, except in One Key City.” Miamiherald, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2020, www.miamiherald.com/news/local/crime/article242227571.html.