Overall, the city witnessed a 2.1 percent increase in crime over the first seven months of this year, a number fueled by a significant rise in the number of burglaries. Last year, the city saw just 484 such crimes in the first part of the year. So far this year there have been 625 reported burglaries - a 29 percent increase.
Officers told the paper that they had actually expected crime numbers to get worse, given the staff reductions they have been forced to make, although the effects have been seen in a nearly 25 percent drop in arrests.
"Less officers equals less arrests. It takes longer to get to the scene and to go from call to call if there are less people on the streets," Chief Jim Hyde said.
Officials added that the rise in property crime has led to a resurgence in neighborhood watch groups, which have helped residents be more aware of their home security and the use of burglar alarms.
The city's staffing problem may soon get even worse. According to the Times, the city has proposed a sales tax hike, which will appear on the ballot in November. If it fails, the $4.5 million budget deficit may force additional layoffs.
