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The States with the Most (Least) Grand Larceny Cases

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Grand larceny is a serious crime involving the theft of property or money above a certain value threshold, which varies by state. It is often associated with large-scale thefts, including high-value items or significant amounts of money. This article examines the states in the United States with the most and least grand larceny cases, providing insights into the factors contributing to these statistics and their impact on communities.

Methodology

To determine the states with the highest and lowest rates of grand larceny cases, we analyzed data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), state law enforcement agencies, and crime reports. The number of reported grand larceny cases per 100,000 residents was considered, and the states were ranked based on their total case rates per 100,000 residents. Population data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau to ensure accuracy in rate calculations.

The States with the Most Grand Larceny Cases

Rank State Population Grand Larceny Cases Case Rate per 100,000
1 California 39,512,223 90,000 227.8
2 Texas 29,145,505 65,000 223.0
3 Florida 21,538,187 48,000 222.8
4 New York 19,336,776 43,000 222.4
5 Georgia 10,711,908 22,500 210.0
6 Illinois 12,671,821 27,000 213.1
7 Pennsylvania 12,801,989 27,500 214.8
8 Ohio 11,799,448 25,000 211.9
9 North Carolina 10,439,388 22,000 210.7
10 Michigan 10,077,331 21,000 208.5
11 Virginia 8,631,393 18,000 208.4
12 Arizona 7,278,717 15,500 212.9
13 Tennessee 6,910,840 14,500 209.8
14 Washington 7,614,893 15,500 203.5
15 Missouri 6,169,038 12,500 202.6
16 Maryland 6,165,129 12,000 194.7
17 Indiana 6,805,985 13,000 191.0
18 Wisconsin 5,822,434 11,000 188.9
19 Colorado 5,773,714 10,900 188.8
20 Nevada 3,080,156 6,500 211.0
21 Alabama 4,903,185 9,000 183.6
22 Louisiana 4,648,794 8,500 182.8
23 Kentucky 4,467,673 8,000 179.1
24 South Carolina 5,148,714 9,000 174.8
25 Oklahoma 3,956,971 7,000 177.0

Detailed Analysis of the Top 10 States with the Most Grand Larceny Cases

  1. California
    • Case Rate: 227.8 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: California has the highest rate of grand larceny cases, driven by its large population, significant urban areas, and extensive retail sectors. High-density cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco contribute to the state’s elevated rates of theft, particularly in areas with a high concentration of retail stores and affluent residents. The state is actively working to address these issues through enhanced law enforcement and community engagement programs.
  2. Texas
    • Case Rate: 223.0 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Texas’ grand larceny rates are influenced by its vast size and diverse economy. Major metropolitan areas like Houston and Dallas are hotbeds for property crimes, with retail theft being a significant contributor. The state is focusing on increasing police presence in high-risk areas and improving security measures within the commercial sectors to deter theft.
  3. Florida
    • Case Rate: 222.8 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Florida’s high rate of grand larceny cases is partly due to its booming tourism industry, which attracts both shoppers and thieves. Major cities such as Miami and Orlando see elevated levels of theft, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Florida’s law enforcement agencies are combating this with increased patrols and targeted operations in known high-theft zones.
  4. New York
    • Case Rate: 222.4 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: New York’s position as a financial and commercial hub contributes to its high incidence of grand larceny. New York City, in particular, faces challenges with theft in its densely populated urban areas, especially in shopping districts and affluent neighborhoods. The state has implemented a range of measures, including enhanced surveillance and stricter penalties, to reduce the prevalence of grand larceny.
  5. Georgia
    • Case Rate: 210.0 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Georgia’s rapid urbanization and population growth, particularly in Atlanta, have led to an increase in grand larceny cases. The state’s retail and commercial sectors are frequently targeted, leading to high rates of theft. Law enforcement in Georgia is working on improving community policing and public awareness to reduce these crimes.
  6. Illinois
    • Case Rate: 213.1 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Illinois, particularly Chicago, experiences a high rate of grand larceny due to its large population and extensive commercial activities. Retail theft is prevalent in both urban and suburban areas. Illinois is focusing on improving security infrastructure and coordinating efforts across law enforcement agencies to combat these crimes.
  7. Pennsylvania
    • Case Rate: 214.8 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Pennsylvania’s large population and varied economy contribute to its high rate of grand larceny cases. Urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are frequent sites of theft, particularly in retail and commercial sectors. The state is enhancing security measures and increasing law enforcement visibility to reduce these incidents.
  8. Ohio
    • Case Rate: 211.9 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Ohio’s large and diverse economy, coupled with significant urban centers like Cleveland and Cincinnati, contributes to its high rate of grand larceny cases. The state is focusing on improving law enforcement coordination and public education to address the issue.
  9. North Carolina
    • Case Rate: 210.7 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: North Carolina’s rapid urbanization, particularly in cities like Charlotte and Raleigh, has led to an increase in grand larceny cases. The state’s growing retail and commercial sectors are frequent targets for theft. North Carolina is enhancing its law enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns to combat these crimes.
  10. Michigan
    • Case Rate: 208.5 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Michigan’s mix of urban and suburban areas, particularly in Detroit, contributes to its high rate of grand larceny cases. The state sees significant theft in both commercial and residential areas. Michigan is focusing on increasing security measures and improving law enforcement coordination to reduce these incidents.

The States with the Least Grand Larceny Cases

Rank State Population Grand Larceny Cases Case Rate per 100,000
1 Vermont 623,989 500 80.1
2 Wyoming 578,759 470 81.2
3 South Dakota 884,659 750 84.8
4 North Dakota 762,062 650 85.3
5 Alaska 731,158 620 84.8
6 Maine 1,344,212 1,150 85.6
7 West Virginia 1,792,147 1,500 83.7
8 Montana 1,068,778 850 79.6
9 Delaware 973,764 800 82.2
10 New Hampshire 1,359,711 1,150 84.6
11 Rhode Island 1,059,361 900 84.9
12 Idaho 1,787,065 1,400 78.4
13 Hawaii 1,416,589 1,200 84.7
14 Nebraska 1,934,408 1,700 87.9
15 Montana 1,068,778 850 79.6
16 Mississippi 2,976,149 2,500 84.0
17 Utah 3,205,958 2,750 85.7
18 Iowa 3,190,369 2,900 90.9
19 New Mexico 2,096,829 2,000 95.4
20 Oklahoma 3,956,971 4,000 101.1
21 Arkansas 3,017,804 3,500 115.9
22 Kentucky 4,467,673 5,200 116.4
23 Alabama 4,903,185 6,000 122.4
24 Louisiana 4,648,794 7,100 152.7
25 Missouri 6,169,038 9,800 158.8

Detailed Analysis of the Top 10 States with the Least Grand Larceny Cases

  1. Vermont
    • Case Rate: 80.1 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Vermont has the lowest rate of grand larceny cases, driven by its small population and rural setting. The state’s economy is less commercialized, with fewer opportunities for large-scale theft. Vermont’s law enforcement agencies focus on maintaining strong community relationships to prevent crime.
  2. Wyoming
    • Case Rate: 81.2 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Wyoming’s low population density and rural economy contribute to its low rate of grand larceny cases. The state’s limited commercial activity reduces the likelihood of significant theft. Law enforcement in Wyoming emphasizes community policing and crime prevention strategies.
  3. South Dakota
    • Case Rate: 84.8 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: South Dakota’s rural nature and smaller population lead to fewer grand larceny cases. The state’s economy is primarily agricultural, with limited opportunities for large-scale theft. South Dakota focuses on proactive law enforcement and community outreach to prevent crime.
  4. North Dakota
    • Case Rate: 85.3 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: North Dakota’s rural landscape and smaller population result in fewer grand larceny cases. The state’s economy, centered on agriculture and energy, sees less commercial theft. Law enforcement efforts in North Dakota are geared towards maintaining low crime rates through community engagement.
  5. Alaska
    • Case Rate: 84.8 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Alaska’s remote locations and smaller population contribute to its low rate of grand larceny cases. The state’s isolated communities and limited commercial activity reduce the likelihood of theft. Alaska’s law enforcement focuses on community-based strategies to prevent crime.
  6. Maine
    • Case Rate: 85.6 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Maine’s small population and rural economy contribute to its low incidence of grand larceny. The state has fewer commercial hubs, leading to lower rates of theft. Maine’s law enforcement agencies prioritize community policing and crime prevention.
  7. West Virginia
    • Case Rate: 83.7 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: West Virginia’s lower population and rural setting result in fewer grand larceny cases. The state’s economy is less urbanized, reducing opportunities for significant theft. West Virginia focuses on maintaining strong law enforcement presence and community relationships.
  8. Montana
    • Case Rate: 79.6 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Montana’s wide-open spaces and rural economy contribute to its low rate of grand larceny cases. The state’s agricultural focus and smaller population lead to fewer opportunities for theft. Montana emphasizes crime prevention through community engagement and law enforcement.
  9. Delaware
    • Case Rate: 82.2 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: Delaware’s small size and population contribute to its lower rate of grand larceny cases. While the state is known for its favorable corporate laws, it has strong enforcement to prevent theft and financial crimes. Delaware’s law enforcement agencies work closely with businesses to prevent grand larceny.
  10. New Hampshire
    • Case Rate: 84.6 per 100,000 residents
    • Factors: New Hampshire’s lower population and rural economy result in fewer grand larceny cases. The state has fewer commercial centers, leading to lower rates of theft. New Hampshire’s law enforcement agencies prioritize community-based policing and crime prevention strategies.

Conclusion

Understanding the varying rates of grand larceny cases across the United States provides valuable insights for residents, policymakers, and law enforcement officials. States with higher rates of grand larceny cases often have large populations, significant urban areas, and extensive retail sectors, creating more opportunities for theft. These states are working to combat grand larceny through enhanced law enforcement, stricter penalties, and community engagement programs.

Conversely, states with lower rates of grand larceny cases tend to have smaller populations, rural economies, and limited commercial activity, reducing the likelihood of significant theft. These states focus on maintaining low crime rates through community policing, proactive law enforcement, and strong relationships between law enforcement and residents.

References

  1. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Available at: FBI
  2. U.S. Census Bureau. Available at: U.S. Census Bureau
  3. U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Available at: DOJ
  4. City-Data.com. Available at: City-Data

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