Utica Sees A Major Reduction In Violent And Overall Crime

The City of Utica saw a major reduction in overall and violent crimes last year.

Utica Police Chief Mark Williams says in 2017, there was a double digit reduction in nearly every violent crime category compared to the previous year.

Williams says statistics from the Mohawk Valley Crime Analysis Center show an 18 percent drop in the overall crime rate when compared to the five year average.

The five year average show a 38 percent decrease in homicides, a 20 percent reduction in rapes and a 20 percent reduction in burglary cases.

Williams says improved community relations and the strong relationship the UPD has built with other law enforcement partners has helped lead to the decrease in crime.