Pine Bluff, Arkansas – In a recent update from the Pine Bluff Police Department, statistics for the first 20 days of July 2025 reveal that reported crime in the city has decreased by nearly 12% compared to the same period in 2024. The figures highlight both encouraging improvements and lingering concerns in specific categories.
Sharp Drops in Property Crimes and Gunfire Calls
According to the data, one of the most notable changes is the decline in shots fired calls, which fell from 89 in July 2024 to 60 in the same period this year. Vehicle thefts also showed improvement, with ten reports this year compared to fifteen last year. Similarly, residential burglaries dropped from fifteen to ten, and commercial burglaries fell sharply from twelve to just three incidents.
Thefts across the city were also lower, down to 59 this year from 75 in 2024, aligning with a broader trend of reduced property crime.
Violent Crimes Reveal Mixed Outcomes
While many categories improved, violent crime saw modest increases. The number of simple assaults rose slightly, from 84 to 87, and reported rapes increased from one to two. Robberies also saw a small rise, up from three to four cases. Non-fatal shootings ticked up from three to four.
More significantly, the city reported three homicides during the first three weeks of July 2025—up from just one during the same stretch last year. However, the Pine Bluff Police Department confirmed that arrests have been made in all three homicide cases.
Aggravated assaults remained unchanged, with 28 reported incidents in both years.
Bullet Damage Cases Hold Steady or Decline
Reports of bullets striking buildings remained the same in both years, at two incidents each. Meanwhile, “bullet to vehicle” cases dropped slightly, with two such incidents reported this year, compared to three in 2024.
Commitment to Transparency and Crime Prevention
“In an effort to be more transparent with the community, we will be releasing more statistics as they become available,” said John Worthen, public information specialist for the Pine Bluff Police Department. “We want everyone to know we are fighting hard to stop crime in Pine Bluff. If you are participating in criminal activity in this city, you will be caught.”
The statistics offer a snapshot of a community where law enforcement efforts are yielding progress, particularly in reducing property crimes, even as violent incidents require continued focus and collaboration between police and residents.
