Property crimes in Las Cruces rise 27% in 2022

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- A 27% increase in overall property crimes, led by residential burglaries and vehicle thefts, was reported in preliminary crime statistics from 2022, according to the City of Las Cruces.

“The men and women of the Las Cruces Police Department take crime prevention seriously,” said Chief Miguel Dominguez. “But unfortunately, police cannot prevent all crimes. Over the last several years we have spoken to several community groups about crime prevention and what they can do to help. We have provided numerous tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of property crimes and we continue to ask our residents to heed those suggestions.”

Police encourage residents to invest in a good quality security system to protect themselves.

The city says crimes of opportunity, where there was little to no resistance to gaining access to property, were noticeable in 2022.

As for violent crimes, the city says there was a nine percent decrease in robbery and a two percent decrease in aggravated assault. However, homicide and rape both increased by 11 percent.