(The Center Square) — An overall analysis of reported crime in Shreveport shows that crime has decreased since 2021 despite a spike in homicides and shootings in 2023.
While there is still crime in Shreveport, it is occurring at a much slower pace than in previous years. Data analysis of monthly stats this year compared to the past five years showed an overall decline in many felony crimes. However, homicides and shootings did increase during 2023, but dropped shortly after.
“In law enforcement, there’s no such thing as a victory lap — because crime never truly stops. It may rise and fall, but our mission remains constant: The relentless pursuit of a safer Shreveport,” Corporal Chris Bordelon with the Shreveport Police Department told The Center Square.
Year-to-date crime reports provided to The Center Square by the Shreveport Police Department show that reported crime as of March 24 is significantly lower than last year. Felony crimes reported showed 101 sex crimes compared to 114 in 2024, 234 vehicle thefts compared to 315 in 2024, 14 robberies compared to 27 in 2024, 293 non-vehicle burglaries compared to 406 in 2024 and 226 vehicle burglaries compared to 285 in 2024.
When looking at the past five years, crimes are not only declining in the city, but the rise in crime from month to month is shrinking also.
January, February, and March showed an overall decrease since 2021. However, according to the reports, there was a spike in crime in 2023 when homicides and shootings were higher than usual for the city.
At the start of the year, there were three reported homicides as of Jan. 28 compared to nine in Jan. 2021. By March 2021, homicides has risen to 23 reported cases. This year, the city reported 10.
Homicides spiked in 2023, hitting a shocking 24 reported cases by March. Shootings also show the same trend, with 53 reported as of March 24 this year compared to 102 in 2021. Reported shootings drastically increased in 2023, with 93 reported shootings as of March that year.
While homicides and shootings spiked in 2023, reported cases are lower than in 2021. Each month this year, reported year-to-date felony crime has been lower than the previous year.
Shots-fired calls have also drastically decreased over the last five years. The department reported 1,161 as of March 2021, and it has continuously trended down since, with only 490 this year.
Bordelon told The Center Square the department’s success can be attributed to five things: Dedicated patrol officers, exceptional investigators, a supportive community, innovative technology and support from leadership.
