KILLEEN, TX — Big news for Killeen.... most crimes moved ahead ever so slightly... and some even went down.
What's made the difference?
Numbers just released Friday afternoon show an increase in crime in Killeen... but an increase if just 3 percent.
Now, this doesn't reflect the "crime rate" but it shows where the city has the most work to do.
Mirna Ramsey makes sure she keeps her car doors locked.
She quickly noticed, as Killeen released it's 2019 Uniform Crime Report late Friday, Vehicle theft remains Killeen's biggest problem.
But she also noticed improvement in other areas, improvements she attributes to more police presence.
"The police respond so quickly and they're all around," she said.
Burglary robbery and rape, all fell, while car theft, larceny assault and murder nudged ahead.
"I think it's always a work in progress," said Mayor Jose Segarra who says the work will never stop, as police look to innovate to stop crime.
"The more eyes that are out there, the lower that the crime rate is, another thing, they started a grant program with ring dot com," he said.
Killeen police have eyes on many streets now, thanks to these doorbell cameras that look out from people's front doors.
Former Uber driver Dianne Cussimano says she's noticed a positive change.
”I had no trouble. Wasn't scared in any part of Killeen,” she said.
And here's more surprising news, as Killeen's population increased, it's crime per person, went down.
"I think the take home is, our police department, they're still working hard," said the Mayor.
And he says they'll keep doing that... and become even more visible, giving folks like Mirna Ramsey a greater sense of security.
"When you need them you know they're there. That's the most important thing," said Ramsey.
The actual crime rate information won't come out until the census bureau releases its population estimates.
Meantime, chief Kimble says... keep your cars locked and your valuables out of sight.
