Milwaukee mid-year crime: Homicides down, human trafficking and carjacking up

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Police are sharing a mid-year review of crime in the city. While some data is trending in the right direction, officials say there's still work to do.

The numbers are showing that homicides are down, but officials say they're tracking increases in human trafficking, robbery, and carjackings.

"We do not take these upticks lightly," said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman.

Comparing crime data from the first six months of 2024 from the first half of 2022 and 2023, human trafficking increased by 43%. From January to June, comparing 2023 and 2024 numbers, there was an 11% percent increase in reported human trafficking.

"Increases in human trafficking cases indicate that more individuals are coming forward in regard to their particular situation, and we're pleased to see that victims are placing trust in us to report these crimes," said Chief Norman.

Carjackings increased by 26% from 2022 to 2024. Comparing just the first six months of this year to 2023, carjackings increased by 10%. "Often, those engaged in this behavior target victims who are not paying attention to their surroundings and may be distracted," said Norman.

Chief Norman says auto thefts are down by 3%, but officials believe those previously engaged in those crimes have now moved on to carjacking. The chief says they're also tracking individuals from Chicago, coming to Milwaukee targeting high-end vehicles.

He says MPD is working with law enforcement in Illinois to address these issues.

Officials are encouraging community members to stay vigilant and stay off their phones while walking to or from their vehicles.

Meanwhile, the mid-year numbers are showing an 18% decrease in homicides from last year. Auto thefts are down 3%, and property crime is down 10%. "While we are trending in the right direction, we are doubling down on trying to be optimistic about the next two quarters," said Ashanti Hamilton, director of community wellness and safety.

Despite the decreases, gun violence continues to impact the city, specifically adolescents and young adults, at what officials are calling an alarming rate.

"Firing guns is never a way to settle, to solve a dispute. People need to use their brains and not their trigger fingers in order to solve the anger issues that they may have," said Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

Mayor Johnson says the city will continue to address crime with the same approaches they've been using. "A combination of both accountability, as well as prevention, to drive those numbers even lower," said Mayor Johnson.

Officials also want to remind the community of its responsibility in addressing crime.

"I want residents to work together to build greater safety in neighborhoods all across Milwaukee," said Johnson.

Officials encourage those who have information about any crime to report it anonymously to Milwaukee Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS.