PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Crime is down in Portsmouth and in several cities all across Hampton Roads.
On Wednesday, Portsmouth Police Chief Stephen Jenkins announced some of the more startling statistics, including a 20% drop in both violent crime and property crime.
However, he did note the city has seen one more homicide this year compared to this point in 2023.
"Those homicides ranged from everything from an individual attempting to rob a store, to domestic issues, and also an attempted robbery we had as well," said Jenkins.
Still, Jenkins remained upbeat as he said he would take any decrease in crime that he could. This includes a standalone 6% drop in violent crimes. Jenkins credited both police officers and gun violence activists for the low numbers.
He said he held Wednesday's press conference to offer full transparency.
"It's important for us to continue to dialogue with the community and open up about what we are doing in our efforts to bring down crime," said Jenkins.
Portsmouth is not the only city reporting a significant drop in crime.
In early July, Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate sat down with 13News Now to go over a 17% drop in all forms of violent crime.
In Newport News, the difference is even more startling with a more than 50% drop in violent crimes. Police Chief Steve Drew made the announcement in late July.
"We have a 55% decrease in homicides this year so far, but still remember those numbers represent people," said Drew.
While Jenkins said he is happy to see this modest decrease in crime in Portsmouth, he encouraged all people to be a part of the solution and to help the city and gun violence activists continue their mission.