Despite downward trend, study says crime a top 10 concern among Utahns

August 07, 2016 (Fox 13 News)

Over the past twenty years, violent crime has dropped drastically across America and here in Utah.

However, a new study shows crime is still a major concern among Utahans.

“Fifty percent of the population say they’re more worried about crime than they were five years ago, and only 28 percent of the population say they’re less worried,” said Shawn Tiegen, a research director at the Utah Foundation.

The study on crime and safety is part of the Utah Priorities Project. Every election cycle, the Utah Foundation commissions a survey to ask what people think are the most important issues facing the state.

This year, crime came in seventh on the list of Utah’s top concerns. That’s despite a recent up-tick in violent crimes.

“You can see that with the first six months of last year in Salt Lake City, there was an increase in violent crimes,” Tiegen said. “And you can see that with the murder rate for July in Utah, it’s the highest one-month murder rate in the last, almost, 10 years.”

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