OCPD 2015 Annual Report Highlights Lowest Crime in 25 Years

OCEAN CITY, MD – (March 22, 2016): The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) has released their Annual Report for 2015, highlighting crime statistics and achievements for the year. Among the many facts and figures within the report, 2015 proved to be the safest year in Ocean City since at least 1990, boasting the lowest number of serious criminal offenses in the last quarter-century.

When compared to 1990, the total number of serious criminal offenses in Ocean City has dropped 45 percent. This equates to thousands of residents and visitors that did not become victims of serious crimes such as assault, burglary or robbery. In addition to the significant drop in total number of offenses, since 1990 there has been an 89 percent decrease in motor vehicle thefts, a 60 percent decrease in aggravated assaults and a 68 percent decrease in burglaries.

“This dramatic decrease in crime over the past 25 years is an accomplishment that not only our employees, but the residents and visitors of Ocean City should be very proud of,” commented Chief Ross Buzzuro. “Our personnel has worked extremely hard to ensure that Ocean City remains a safe place to live and visit and the statistics and accomplishments in this report prove that to be true.”

When comparing 2015 crime statistics to more recent years, the OCPD saw an 11 percent decrease in total number of serious criminal offenses from the most recent five-year average. There was also significant decreases in robberies, burglaries and motor vehicle thefts. In addition, the OCPD saw a 35 percent decrease in forcible rapes from 2014. Statistics also showed that 58 percent of serious crimes occurred during the months of June, July and August.

For a copy of the entire 2015 Annual Report, visit our website at www.oceancitymd.gov/police.