Downtown, Over-the-Rhine see drop in some crimes in last month but yearly totals remain up

Desmond Milligan · August 13

Cincinnati police have been working to reduce crime in Downtown and Over-the-Rhine this summer.

Crime data released Aug. 11 shows short-term improvements in Downtown, but Over-the-Rhine is still struggling with property crime and homicides.

Month over month, Downtown saw a 26% reduction in serious violent crime and property crime, from a total of 129 to 96 offenses. However, yearly totals still show a 48% increase compared to 2024, from 482 to 715.

Over-the-Rhine saw a 4% increase in serious violent and property crime month over month, from 94 to 98 offenses. The neighborhood saw a 38% increase for the year, from 465 to 644 offenses.

A spike in violent crime in Cincinnati's urban core was revealed in the wake of the killing of Over-the-Rhine business owner Patrick Heringer. His wife claimed the city was putting optics over outcomes when it came to policing.

Since then, Cincinnati police have launched a roving task force, a drone program, more visible patrols and several other programs aimed at increasing safety in the neighborhoods where residents come to work and visit for entertainment: Downtown and Over-the-Rhine.

More: City leaders say crime is 'stabilizing' as criminals take notice of new police task force

Year to date, most crime categories are still elevated in both Downtown and Over-the-Rhine. As of Aug. 9, there had been eight homicides in Over-the-Rhine compared to just three last year.

Robberies are up 60% in Downtown but down over 7% in Over-the-Rhine. Aggravated assaults are up 47% in Downtown but down 21% in Over-the-Rhine.

While this year was worse than last year, there have been recent reductions, particularly in Downtown.

Comparing the beginning of the summer, June 15 to July 12, to the middle of the summer, July 13 to Aug. 9, shows improvements:

Slightly fewer robberies, aggravated assaults and auto thefts in Downtown from a total of 22 offenses to 17.
A 75% reduction in burglaries Downtown from 12 to 3.
A 34% reduction in thefts from vehicles Downtown from 62 to 41.
A 54% reduction in auto thefts in Over-the-Rhine from 13 to 6.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Downtown crime down month over month, OTR sees increase in violence

View the full article