Downtown crime trends are mixed

High-profile crime downtown has recently shaken city residents and leaders, driving a debate over whether the situation is getting better or worse.

• An Axios analysis of downtown theft and violent crime shows recent winter and early-spring trends have actually been mixed.

Why it matters: Like it or not, perceptions of downtown safety have major ripple effects for the city when it comes to investment, tax revenues and tourism, which is still in a state of recovery.

The methodology: Using the city of Chicago data portal, we studied specific crimes on the Near North Side and in the Loop from January to April over the last six years.

• We looked at theft, battery, robbery, assault, motor vehicle theft and homicide.

Of note: Through May 8 of this year, homicides and non-fatal shootings across the whole city were down 7% and 17%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2021, according to a Chicago Sun-Times analysis.

Yes, but: Last year was also one of the deadliest in city history.

• And 2020 was the nation's deadliest year since 1994.

What's next: As the temperature rises this week, sadly, we can expect violent crime to rise with it.

• Holiday weekends also often bring violence spikes. CPD is preparing for this by canceling days off over Memorial Day weekend.