THOMASVILLE — Overall crime in Thomasville was down 13 percent in 2019, according to Thomasville Police Department numbers reported to the FBI.

Homicides were down 50 percent, said Police Chief Troy Rich.

In 2018, four homicides occurred in the city, two in 2019. To date this year, one homicide has taken place.

The two 2019 homicides involved street gang activity and domestic issues, according to the TPD.

Rapes remained the same as in 2018 at one.

Crimes reported to the FBI fall into two categories: violent crimes and property crimes.

Violent crimes are homicide, rape and aggravated assault. Property crimes include burglary, entering auto, larceny, stolen vehicle, arson and robbery.

Rich said Thomasville crimes reported to the FBI are used in national calculations of crime rates per population. The violent crime rate for Thomasville is 1.57 incidents per 1,000 people. The national rate for violent crimes is 3.7 incidents per 1,000 people.

Last year was the fifth consecutive year Thomasville’s overall crime rate has been down. Previous year’s crime stats are:

• 2018 – Down 12 percent

• 2017 – Down 3 percent

• 2016 – Down 5 percent

• 2015 – Down 16 percent 

Aggravated assaults — classified as person-on-person assaults — increased in 2019.

“In 2019, we had 27 aggravated assaults versus 18 in 2018,” Rich said. “Seven domestic violence incidents involving strangulations were one of the reasons aggravated assaults saw an increase in 2019.” 

The chief said TPD responds to more than 900 domestic incidents annually. Incidents involve married and non-married couples, he said.

Of the 27 aggravated assaults in 2019, nine resulted in the use of a firearm that was discharged. Two projectiles struck a person. The other projectiles struck property. Of the nine assaults with a firearm, eight individuals were arrested and charged. 

“Violent crimes will only be reduced when individuals stop responding or acting off emotion to resolve issues, especially during domestic incidents,” Rich said. “Unfortunately, we have some individuals who choose to use firearms as a means to resolve conflict. They need to put the guns down. If you use a firearm to commit a crime, you will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Property crime in Thomasville was down by 13.96, or 121 incidents, in 2019. The biggest drop in the property crimes were burglaries and larceny from autos. Burglaries dropped by 40 percent, while larcenies from vehicles also were down by 36 percent.

“We attribute the property crime reduction to the proactive patrols by police officers,” Rich said. “In addition, the residents have assisted TPD by doing an outstanding job securing their property and reporting suspicious activities. We cannot solve crime unless the community and police work together.”

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820