93.3 KWTO Keeping Watch Over the Ozarks
In a report Tuesday from the Springfield Police Department, theft and assault crimes are down in the area, while violent crimes and gun-related incidents have increased.
According to SPD, crimes such as vehicle theft, aggravated assault, breaking-and-entering and burglary have seen a drop compared to the same period in 2021.
However, the report also shows an increase in reports of shots fired, as each month has seen a rise in calls compared to the same month last year. January 2021 saw 18 reports of shots fired, compared to 28 during the same period this year.
Springfield PD also reported an increase in gun confiscations. SPD confiscated 150 guns during for the year in 2021. So far in 2022, they report 115 gun confiscations.
Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams says along with an increase in gun-related crimes, there has also been an increase in the amount of guns in the city.