FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2022

Springfield Police launch crime prevention initiative 

Springfield, Mo. - With the goal of reducing crime in the community and educating the public, the Springfield Police Department has launched a crime prevention initiative. The campaign features public service announcements aired by local media partners as well as trending crime video updates available on the department’s social media and website. Each quarter, the initiative will focus on a different crime type and actions residents can take to help prevent those crimes.

The first quarter’s focus is preventing vehicle thefts. Each January, an average of 112 vehicles are reported stolen, based on data from 2018-2022. Of the vehicles reported stolen, approximately 40 percent are stolen while warming and unattended, and 51 percent are stolen from a home or apartment parking area. While about 80 percent of stolen vehicles are recovered and returned to their owners, they’re rarely recovered in good condition.

Vehicle theft is a crime of opportunity. Residents should never leave their vehicle idling with the keys inside and should always lock their vehicle. Watch the latest PSA on preventing vehicle thefts.

Beginning in March, look for regular updates on Springfield crime trends on the department’s social media including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well as at springfieldmo.gov/crime.

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Media Contact: PAO Cris Swaters
417-864-1786
[email protected]