Travis County residents say they are feeling safer than ever, despite a 4-percent increase in overall crime, according to a report released by the Community Action Network on Monday.
The report, which provides updated public safety information for the Austin area, reveals that feelings of neighborhood safety have been on the rise since 1996 and jumped 7 percent in 2003.
"I think people are beginning to realize that you don't need to be scared of crime, you just need to watch out for it," said Roger Wade, a spokesman for the Travis County Sheriff's Department.
The report also states that though the number of violent crimes went down in 2003, the number of reported property crimes in Austin jumped from 46,143 to more than 49,000, accounting for the increase in overall crime. Property crimes include burglary, theft and criminal mischief.
"Property crime is going up," Wade said. "We want to get neighborhoods to start getting a good neighborhood spirit going and increase cooperation between neighborhoods and [law enforcement]."
Reports of child abuse in Travis County were up by 24 percent, and abuse resulted in the deaths of seven children in 2003, according to the report.
There are many factors that might influence child abuse statistics, said Cindy Ashby, chair of the Travis County Child Protective Services Board.
Population growth, the bad economy, lack of community support and domestic violence may have all contributed to the sudden increase in reported child abuse cases, she said.
Travis County also has a high level of awareness concerning child abuse cases, Ashby said.
The report also noted the number of foster homes in Travis County decreased by 10 percent in 2002 and by more than 26 percent in 2003. Ashby said this decrease warrants more attention from the community.
"I can't stress how important foster families can be for these children," Ashby said. "Often, children who are removed [by Child Protective Services] are in sibling groups or have special needs. It is already traumatic enough for them, and finding good foster care for them can be absolutely critical."
The report also addressed crime prevention, focusing on helping criminals avoid becoming repeat offenders. With 41 percent of Texas criminals returning to jail within three years of their release, Travis County officials are focusing on new preventative measures to keep the community safer through rehabilitation, said Darla Gay, a spokeswoman for the Travis County Attorney's Office.
The county plans to implement the planned Re-Entry Roundtable program, which will help provide access to housing, vocational skills, and substance abuse and mental health treatment, as well as assist inmates in reuniting with their families, Gay said.
In addition, the program will provide support for the victims of crime, making sure their feelings and safety are being taken into account, Gay said.
The CAN report was released as a prelude to National Night Out, an event of neighborhood walks and parties held annually to encourage community involvement in crime prevention.
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