Fort Bend County’s Crime Rate: Why Neighbors Should Feel Safe
RICHMOND, Texas – Despite an increase in crime numbers in 2022, Fort Bend County’s District Attorney, Brian Middleton, assures residents that they should feel safe. Middleton addressed concerned citizens at a Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce event held at the Texas Safari Ranch in Richmond.
The event began with a question on everyone’s mind: “Are you safe in Fort Bend County?” Fact sheets on the tables revealed that certain crimes, such as drugs, theft, and burglary, had seen an uptick two years ago. However, Middleton emphasized that the county is taking proactive measures to ensure community safety.
“We’re doing everything we can to keep our communities safe, and the data shows it,” Middleton stated confidently.
To gain a deeper understanding of the county’s crime rate, a study is currently underway. The study aims to identify the underlying causes of crime in growing communities. Surprisingly, it is not homeowners who are most affected by increased property crimes but rather those involved in construction projects.
Another challenge faced by the county is the influx of visitors, particularly in Sugar Land. Events like rehab assignments for professional athletes, such as an Astros player, attract thousands of people. Criminals are aware of these large gatherings and take advantage of the situation.
The study also shed light on the victims of violent crimes in Fort Bend County. Astonishingly, 90% of these victims were victimized by family members or acquaintances, while only 10% were targeted by strangers. This finding challenges the common perception that strangers pose a greater threat.
Keisha Pichon, a Fort Bend County resident, expressed her surprise at the study’s findings. “You would think a stranger would do more harm to you than someone you know,” she said. “They would help you out versus doing harm to you.”
Leaders in the county hope that the study’s results will help them develop effective strategies to combat crime. By analyzing the data, law enforcement agencies can focus their efforts on specific areas. However, they have encountered difficulties in accessing this information due to resource limitations.
Middleton explained, “What we’ve discovered is that some of those agencies lack the necessary resources. By filling this gap and conducting more thorough data analysis, we can develop better strategies.”
Law enforcement in Fort Bend County is also turning to technology as a means to prevent and address crime. With a shortage of officers, they are increasingly relying on technological advancements to identify and apprehend criminals.
“We use technology more and more to catch crime before it happens or when it is actually happening,” said Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan.
Although only a small sample of the study was presented during the event, the District Attorney’s office plans to release the full report at a later date. Importantly, the study was not funded by tax dollars but rather by money acquired through drug-related arrests.
In conclusion, despite the increase in crime numbers, Fort Bend County’s leaders are committed to ensuring the safety of their communities. Through comprehensive studies, resource allocation, and the utilization of technology, they aim to curb crime and provide a secure environment for residents and visitors alike.
For updates on this story, follow Nick Natario on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
