Lawton, OK – During the Lawton City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 3, the Lawton Police Department (LPD) presented an update on crime statistics, revealing significant decreases in both violent and property-related crimes within the city. The department’s report highlighted a positive trend in crime reduction from 2018 to 2023, with violent crimes dropping by 32.3% and property crimes decreasing by 15.5%.
According to the data shared by the LPD, the rate of violent crimes in Lawton stands at 7.86 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crimes are reported at 25 per 1,000 residents. The statistics show a clear decline in crime rates, with a steady reduction observed since 2008, as demonstrated by a graph included in the report.
Although official crime statistics for 2024 have not yet been finalized, Lawton officials expressed optimism that the downward trend would continue, following a broader pattern seen across the state and nationwide.
Despite the positive shift, when compared to both Oklahoma and national averages, Lawton still experiences higher crime rates in both violent and property-related offenses. However, the recent data indicates progress, suggesting the city’s ongoing efforts to combat crime are beginning to show results.
As 2024 continues, residents and officials alike are hopeful for continued improvement in Lawton’s crime rates.