CRIME TRACKER: More violent crime in Tri-Cities than on the West Side
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TRI-CITIES, Wash. -- Despite our safe reputation, KEPR learned there is more violent crime in the Tri-Cities than in towns of a similar size in Washington.
Tri-Cities neighborhoods seem safe and peaceful until you face the facts. You're more likely to be a crime victim here than you are in the Seattle area.
In the aftermath of an increase of violent crime in the Tri-Cities, KEPR Action News decided to take things a step further. We compared the violent crime rate here to towns of a similar size in Washington. What we uncovered is truly surprising.
Pasco and Kennewick have more violent crimes per-capita than cities like Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, and Bellevue.
Obviously those numbers are alarming, but what's even more surprising is that more crime happens along local neighborhoods across the state.
In fact, the violent crime rate for both Pasco and Kennewick is above the state average. Locals like Randy Pond say it boils down to a lack of resources here at home.
"It doesn't surprise me because I don't believe the Tri-Cities brings in enough outside entertainment to keep people at bay," he tells KEPR.
It's important to note that local crime rates were still below Kent and Yakima -- and the news isn't all bad. Richland had some of the lowest crime rates in the whole state. But judging from the numbers, local streets aren't as safe as we may imagine them to be.
Tri-Cities neighborhoods seem safe and peaceful until you face the facts. You're more likely to be a crime victim here than you are in the Seattle area.
In the aftermath of an increase of violent crime in the Tri-Cities, KEPR Action News decided to take things a step further. We compared the violent crime rate here to towns of a similar size in Washington. What we uncovered is truly surprising.
Pasco and Kennewick have more violent crimes per-capita than cities like Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, and Bellevue.
Obviously those numbers are alarming, but what's even more surprising is that more crime happens along local neighborhoods across the state.
In fact, the violent crime rate for both Pasco and Kennewick is above the state average. Locals like Randy Pond say it boils down to a lack of resources here at home.
"It doesn't surprise me because I don't believe the Tri-Cities brings in enough outside entertainment to keep people at bay," he tells KEPR.
It's important to note that local crime rates were still below Kent and Yakima -- and the news isn't all bad. Richland had some of the lowest crime rates in the whole state. But judging from the numbers, local streets aren't as safe as we may imagine them to be.
