While many other cities around the country have seen major crime skyrocket, Danbury just recorded a fifty three percent major crime rate drop from a year ago.

The numbers are in and Danbury, which has held the distinction of one of the safest cities in America, has seen the May major crime rate drop by 53 percent from this time last year.

The statistics, released monthly by the Danbury Police Department, revealed that the major crime rate fell the most in May during the time when many were locked down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton cited the excellent leadership of the Danbury Police Department in his comments to newstimes.com:

I do think in that month because of COVID, people were not traveling, bars were not open, and restaurants were not open late, but I also think that this follows an overall trend of lower crime that is due to great leadership by our police chief, and the fact that citizens treat police officers with respect.

The drop in crime seems to be following a downward trend in Danbury with the rate that is already down 23 percent compared with the first five months of last year. In 2019, the major crime rate was down some 16 percent from where it was in 2018.

Joe Cavo, who is the City Council President, made reference to Danbury's DNA when explaining the yearly decrease in crime:

For years, Danbury has been known as one of the safest cities in Connecticut, it's kind of in our DNA. Danbury has had that distinction multiple times over the last 20 or 30 years, and it’s because of the makeup of our citizens and the relationship they have with our police department.

35 major crimes were committed in Danbury during the month of May, which compares to 75 major crimes during the same period last year.

The release of these statistics come at a time when cities all over the country are calling for major police reform, or defunding of police departments.

Mayor Mark did comment to newstimes.com about the city's stand on this highly controversial reform the police issue:

We have been part of this national conversation, and I have attended four conversations and protests about this. Nobody was hurt, there was no inappropriate behavior and there was no vandalism because people are respectful of police in our community.

Though these numbers are very impressive for the city, they are not official until the state audits them and makes them official at the end of the year.

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