Lincoln sees overall drop in most serious crimes, new LPD report shows

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lincoln Police Department released its 2024 annual report on Thursday, showing a decline in some of the most serious offenses.

LPD groups those crimes under Part 1 offenses, and those decreased by about 7% to 8,441.

That’s the lowest point in 20 years.

“The citizens of Lincoln should be very proud of the enforcement and the efforts of Lincoln Police,” City Councilman Tom Duden said.

Under Part 1 offenses, rape and robbery showed significant decreases.

Homicides held steady, while auto theft and assault went up.

One Lincoln woman, Mickenna Shannon, said she gives LPD credit for making the community safe, but there’s still the worry of being outside after dark.

“Especially being a mom of girls, I feel like it reaches a certain point of night, and we got to pack it in,” she said.

Channel 8 asked Police Chief Michon Morrow what message she has for people who may think LPD is not doing enough.

“It’s OK to keep pushing on us in areas where they see deficiencies; we do it internally as well,” Morrow said. “We have blind spots, so it is important for us to engage in our community in a dialogue of what they’re experiencing and what their needs are.”

Some Lincolnites told Channel 8 they feel safe, but it’s the roads they are most concerned about.

“I commute most places, and I don’t feel fairly safe because of the drivers on the street,” said Mark Mesarch, a resident of Lincoln for 36 years.

LPD said it is working on having units specifically for traffic violations like red lights and DUIs.

Duden has a special message for those who think about coming to Lincoln to commit crimes:

“The people that want to come to Lincoln and steal cars, break into cars and shoot their guns off, I hope they read this report,” he said. “Because you’re going to stay in Lincoln, but you’re going to be staying in Lincoln in the jail.”