We have all heard the whispers of crime rising in our bubble, but are the rumors true? Statistics show that East Grand Rapids is still safer than 73 percent  of cities across the United States. However, there have recently been several break-ins and robberies within the confines of our little EGR and the fear is evident within its citizens.

“We have seen an increase in property crimes, which is typical during the summer months as more people are out and about,” Officer Matt Perez of the East Grand Rapids Public Safety Department said.

In the past three months there have been 273 incidents 74 of which were property related (robbery, destruction of property), nine of which were violent, and 190 of which were quality of life (most commonly disorder).

“The most frequent property crime has been larcenies from motor vehicles or items stolen from vehicles,” Officer Perez said. “We also typically see a spike in bikes being stolen, which was the case again this summer.”

Many fear that because of these recent crimes, our bubble is slowly becoming more dangerous.

“[There is] no cause for concern. These types of crimes are more prevalent when the weather is nice and every year we tend to see a rise in these types of crime during the spring/summer months,” Officer Perez said.

The EGR Public Safety Department is aware of its residents concerns and is taking the necessary measure to ensure its citizens feel safe.

“The Public Safety department has also had extra cars patrol the streets for several nights when the rash of larcenies began in attempt to catch the suspect,” Officer Perez said.

Additionally, the Public Safety Department has responded by trying to educate citizens on how to prevent property related crimes by releasing a press statement about the recent incline in property crimes and also frequently posting tips for residents on their Facebook page.

“Most property crimes can be prevented if residents would simply lock their doors and not leave anything valuable in plain view or in an unlocked vehicle,” Officer Perez said. “Residents should also keep exterior lights on throughout the night or invest in motions sensor lights.”

Despite residents rising concerns, EGR still has the lowest number of violent crimes compared to neighboring cities including Forest Hills, Caledonia, Rockford, etc. Additionally, there are annually only 107 crimes, only six of which are considered violent (murder, rape, robbery and assault). There is no true cause for concern. Our bubble is still very much intact and the safety of its residents are safe in the hands of the East Grand Rapids Public Safety Department, rest assured.