The Caddo and Bossier Parish Sheriff's Offices have released their 2014 crime stats, which show slight decreases in overall crime.

The Caddo Sheriff's Office shows crime is down 2% from the previous year. Overall in 2014, there were 1,491 reported crimes in unincorporated areas of the parish, compared to 1,516 the previous year. Property crimes dropped from 928 to 847, while crimes against people increased from 588 to 644.

Sheriff Steve Prator says the increase in crimes against people was mostly due to more reports of simple assaults and intimidation cases, which can involve phone threats and cyber-bullying. Rape remained the same, at 27, and robberies dropped from five to two.

There were two reported homicides in 2014. Gwen Salley was killed by her estranged husband after he kidnapped her in DeSoto Parish, then drove to a wooded area in Caddo, where she was murdered. The death of Carmen McCauley in Vivian was also domestic.

"Overall we are happy with the work being done by our deputies and the assistance we receive from our citizens," Prator said in a news release. "We are a large parish with many miles to cover and to continuously see a drop in crime every year is a testament to everyone's hard work."

In Bossier Parish, Sheriff Julian Whittington says overall crime decreased by 5.2%, despite the parish's population increase. There were 851 crimes in 2014, compared to 898 in 2013.

There was one negligent homicide, one rape and one robbery last year. Batteries rose from 308 to 348, mainly due to the increase in simple battery cases. Assault cases stayed about the same.

Sheriff Whittington says the biggest change in property crime was in the reduction in thefts from 409 to 329. Residential burglaries increased slightly, while business and vehicle burglaries decreased.

"When you look at the rapid growth of our parish and see a reduction in crime, that's a solid indicator why Bossier Parish remains an outstanding place to live, work and raise a family," said Whittington in a BSO news release. "The growth rate for Bossier Parish is three times that of the state average. With rapid population growth comes the propensity for more crime. However, public trust is something I take very seriously."

CLICK HERE to see Bossier Parish crime statistics for 2013.

CLICK HERE for more Caddo Parish crime statistics.

 

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