MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The year-end crime report for Memphis is out and yes, the Bluff City saw a 13 percent decrease in homicides last year compared to 2021.
Rapes were also down slightly, which is good, but this is no time for anyone to be feeling elated – thinking we have turned the corner on crime. Because we haven’t. Sure, 302 homicides in 2022 were 45 fewer than the record number set the previous year. But 300 killings are still an alarming number – particularly when you consider that it was wasn’t that long ago when we thought 200 homicides were unacceptable.
But Memphis is also saddled with another troubling crime trend that is going in the wrong direction – carjackings, vehicle break-ins and thefts – that rose in 2022. Most of those committing these crimes were juveniles – many as young as 16. Now, Memphis Police are warning that one group of carjackers are posing as police officers and taking cars at gunpoint. The fact is, vehicle-related crimes are touching virtually every corner of the city and they mirror a national trend.
But while homicides mostly involve perpetrators and victims who know each other, carjackings generally are more random and involve perpetrators and victims who are strangers. It all adds up to the fact that crime remains one of this city’s top issues. And while homicides dropped, we must continue working to bring down other crimes as well.