The year 2015 ended with the fewest crimes in Columbus since 2002, according to statistics from the Columbus Police Department – an announcement that is great news for families.

Part I crimes are a crime category that consists of homicides, rapes, robberies, assaults, burglaries, larcenies, and auto thefts. In 2015, Part I crime rates in Columbus were 12,392, which is down by roughly 200. Burglary crime rates in Columbus particularly decreased, to a record 2,560 for 2015, the lowest since 2004.

The numbers released earlier this month showed that Part I crime rates in Columbus spiked in 2009, reaching 15,606. Columbus movers hope that the numbers continue to decrease and that more families will move to Columbus as a result.

Police Maj. Gil Slouchick credited the decline to “intelligence-based policing” and employing special units to areas most afflicted by home and business break-ins. Slouchick also explained how investigators have been targeting neighborhoods with high crime rates and burglary reports. Detectives then worked closely with patrol officers to identify and capture suspects, as well as working with the courts to increase the penalty and decrease the leniency for property crimes.

As crime rates in Columbus tend to fluctuate, local Columbus moving companies hope that the numbers continue to decline and that efforts remain strong in order to make the city safer for families and those who are looking to move to Columbus, whether it be for family or work.