Crime Numbers Fall in Bradenton

BRADENTON – After a rare uptick in 2011, crime statistics in the City of Bradenton are headed down. According to recently-released data, part one offenses (which includes major and violent crimes) were down 6.3 percent in 2012. With the exception of 2011, such offenses had been consistently dropping and are now down a total of 37.3 percent since a high in 2003.

Part one crimes (murder, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft) had risen 3.3 percent in 2011.

“2012 was just another example of how the partnership between neighborhoods and the police department works to prevent crime and make the City a better place to live, work, conduct business or visit,” Chief Michael Radzilowski said in a press release.

Mayor Wayne Poston, who also is the Police Commissioner, was pleased with the news.

“The Bradenton Police Department is a much different, better trained, more professional and has stronger leadership at all levels than 10 years ago,” said Poston. “Those strengths, coupled with our community policing initiatives led by Chief Michael Radzilowski, are obviously paying off in a decrease in crime. What is not obvious is the neighborhood trust that has been created in that time, and allows citizens and police to work together to stop many crimes before they occur.”

Chief Radzilowski

2012 Part One Offenses Down – 6.3%

2011 Part One Offenses Up   - 3.3%

2010 Part One Offenses Down – 9.8%

2009 Part One Offenses Down – 4.9%

2008 Part One Offenses Down – 5.1%

2007 Part One Offenses Down – 1.4%

2006 Part One Offenses Down – 3.2%

2005 Part One Offenses Down – 9.9%

2004 Part One Offenses Down – 7.4%