Savannah crime rates plummet in 2024
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Savannah city and law enforcement leaders shared encouraging news Tuesday: Crime in 2024 was down in every precinct and in almost every category, an exponential decline since 2022.
The information served as a preview to the full 2024 Crime Report which will be released by the Savannah Police Department (SPD) later this week.
SPD Chief Lenny Gunther has been at the helm for two years. He and city leaders were humble but proud in their accomplishments backed by data.
'We've had progress when it comes to crime decreases in our community,' said Gunther. 'We're not declaring victory on crime not by a long shot, but we do have to acknowledge the progress we made as a city last year regarding crime.'
The 2024 report shows violent crime is down 20% since 2023 and 21% since 2022.
Other metrics released Tuesday include crimes such as homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault falling below the five-year average in 2024.
City leaders such as Chief Gunther, Mayor Van Johnson, and City Manager Jay Melder attributed the success to a few things, namely, what they call a community-based approach to policing.
The method allows citizens to act as watchdogs through new mobile phone applications, social media and outreach programs.
Another example of what is working, according to Mayor Johnson, is the success of the Top Ten Most Wanted Lists and the overwhelming response they have cultivated from the public, bridging the gap between the government and the citizenry.
'Folks are talking to us,' said Mayor Johnson. 'We put out a top ten most wanted list and we got eight of those off in the first two weeks.'
'These are grandmas calling us; these are sons and daughters saying I heard you're looking for my daddy. This is where he is,' he added.
Then there is the two-year-old Office of Safety Engagement, which leaders called the most successful example of non-police work used by SPD. The outreach group works with children who are most at risk for committing and becoming victims of crimes.
'These investments in community engagement give us the opportunity to listen to those we serve and allow them to provide us feedback,' said Gunther, 'and what's important is what we do with the feedback when we receive it.'
There was also plenty of credit given to the SPD officers braving the streets everyday.
'The men and women embrace the culture not only of the savannah police department but of savannah itself,' he said.
Even though the data brings promising news to Savannah, leaders said work still needs to be done.
'We're not claiming victory on crime because we had a great crime year or that crime is down,' said Jay Melder. 'One violent crime is too many. You had a bike stolen out of your back yard, that's intrusive, that hurts, and so we know there's a lot of work to do.'
The full crime report will be released by the city Thursday, Feb. 13 at 5 p.m. You can read it here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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