Crime in Norwood

According to crime statistics, Norwood is a safe town. With a population just over 30,000 Norwood's property crime rate is below the Massachusetts average at 7.33 per 1000 residents (Mass average is 11.8). In addition, Norwood's violent crime is less than the Massachusetts average at 1.58 per 1000 residents (Mass average 3.28). This is according to Neighborhoodscout.com which ranks Norwood safer than 65% of cities in the United States.

It's important to note crime rate statistics are computed by averaging all reported crimes (or police related incidents), as their related to the total number of residents. Does this really give us an accurate picture of crime in Norwood? I’m not convinced. In order to get an accurate picture of our crime status, I studied which crimes were increasing (in whole numbers). Maybe this will give us a better picture of crime in “South Dedham” (didn’t know that’s what Norwood was originally called? Well, you just learned something!)

Unfortunately, I was unable to get a copy of Norwood’s 2020 annual report which would include Norwood police related service calls, so I worked off 2019 and compared those numbers with 2018.

For the last several years drug use has been a major concern for Norwoodites. In fact, the drug problem has become such an issue in recent years, some have referred to Norwood as “Needle-wood” (clever...insert sarcastic eye roll here). But according to Norwood's self reported crime totals in their annual report, “Found Syringes” had increased 50 percent from 2018 to 2019 (19 to 31 respectively). However, drug use and drug overdose reports declined by almost the same amount.

Malicious damage, (which is damage caused by a person with malicious intent) increased about 33 percent as did “Mischief (kids)” service calls by close to 50 percent (47 to 69). Violent crimes have also increased. Sex Offenses for example doubled from 18 in 2018 reported cases to 38 in 2019. Assaults and Child Abuse/Neglect cases can also be added to the plus category.

So what does this tell me? In its most generic form it urges me to review Norwood Police Department’s 2020 annual report and decipher for myself whether crime is actually on the rise. In reality there is no way to completely eradicate crime in any given community. However, with a staff of less than 100, the Norwood Police Officers answered over 17,750 calls for service in 2019 conducted over 3,139 motor vehicle stops and engaged in 5,000 foot patrols or “walk and talks” which surely helps prevent or deter certain types of crime.

For those who need an extra layer of protection, Norwood residents and businesses can have Suburban Security Officers conduct a comprehensive check of property to observe and create a visible deterrence proven to deter and detect crime. -RJD