The Lincoln Police Department reported a sharp increase in thefts from vehicles and a sharp decrease in traffic accidents.
New statistics on crime and requests for police services cover the time since a directed health measure was put in place in Lincoln.
They show a 14% increase in mental health related calls and an 8% increase in fraud. With people driving less and staying home more, traffic crashes are down 46%. With many businesses closed, shoplifting is down 30%.
The city has seen theft from vehicles double. Erin Spilker is public information officer for the Lincoln Police Department. She said the department is working to address the increase.
“We have officers who are looking at mapping systems to find out where the hardest hit areas are, saturating those areas, educating the people who live in those areas as well," Spilker said. "I know there’s been a lot of fliers being passed out, officers on foot in the area, trying to be there immediately, and also just educating neighbors to call in.”
Spilker said the department appreciates apartment complexes quickly reporting these thefts.