Golden Valley Police: Violent Crime at Lowest Level in a Decade

told about a dozen residents from northeast part of the city that violent crime is down to its lowest level in a decade. 

Police say other crimes have increased, but they say that may reflect increased patrols and DWI enforcement.

The most prevalent crime reported in Golden Valley over the last year is theft-related, according to Police Commander Nate Grove, who walked people through recent crime trends during an annual neighborhood watch meeting Tuesday night.

From home and business burglaries, robberies, theft from vehicles, and vehicle thefts, the police department has seen it all in the last year into 2011.

In general, the majority of the crime reported in Golden Valley are property crimes, not personal crimes.  Police say a random personal crime is very rare in Golden Valley. 

Grove says so far, 2011 has been quiet, but typically the winter months are slower in regards to criminal activity. 

To continue to keep crime down in Golden Valley, police say it's important we all remember we can't control offenders' motivation or ability, but we can control their opportunity. 

"Remember to lock your home, close garage doors, remove items from your vehicle and remember to lock it," says Grove.  "Each year about half of our residential burglaries and theft from autos occur from an unlocked home or vehicle."

Grove also talked about the that involves an alleged panhandling scam where a man has been going to both homes and businesses around town asking for money. Police arrested a suspect, Mark Christopher Bell, who was released on bail.  Police say he often told Golden Valley residents that he needed money to get his car out of the impound lot, his car has broken down or he has been part of a Golden Valley church.

Police say just because Bell was arrested doesn't mean people should let their guard down.

“He has been arrested at least twice in Golden Valley and we’d like him to get charged. So please stay mindful, and if you do see him, make a 911 call because is out trying to swindle people,” Police Commander Nate Grove said.

The suspect description for Mark Christopher Bell is that he is a 50 year-old light skinned African American male who is 6 feet tall, 235 pounds, and is described as being well dressed.

Other Crime Trends Being Watched:

•  Foreign lotteries and prize scams
• Theft from automobiles
• Stealing garage door openers to gain access into homes

For more information on crime prevention, you can contact the Golden Valley Police Department at 763-593-8079.