Myrtle Beach Reports Significant Decline in Violent Crime, Boosting Community Safety and Visitor Confidence

Exciting News for Myrtle Beach: A Drop in Violent Crime!

Oh, what a relief it is to hear some good news rolling in from Myrtle Beach! It’s been a hot topic lately – the safety of our beloved coastal getaway. Recent data from the Myrtle Beach Police Department has revealed a significant drop in violent crime, and that has both locals and visitors feeling a whole lot more at ease.

What the Numbers Say

From 2023, Myrtle Beach recorded 2,739 violent crime incidents, including everything from murder and robbery to aggravated assaults and larceny. Now compare that to 2019 when there were 4,374 incidents. That’s a jaw-dropping decrease of over 1,600 reported incidents! If you’re keeping track, that’s a sharp decline, and it’s making quite a few folks breathe a little easier as they soak up the sun.

Positive Vibes from Visitors

One of the visitors, Joey Wood, hailing from Michigan, shared some praise. “I see their presence, I don’t need to feel the cops are roaming the streets. I’ve never had any issues here,” he remarked. Joey’s family has been taking in the sights and sounds of Myrtle Beach and he couldn’t help but notice the increased police visibility. “I see beach patrol, I see them patrolling everywhere,” he added, which mirrors the positive changes that the locals have been sensing as well.

Why Is This Happening?

The Myrtle Beach Police Department has stepped its game up by adding more officers to the force, and this proactivity seems to be paying off. City officials are working hard to ensure that law enforcement has all the support it needs. According to City Councilman Gregg Smith, the local government has been funding the police department at a much higher level. “As city council, what we can do is support them, help them have what they need,” Smith noted.

Different Perspectives

Not all visitors are completely at ease, though. Mandel Garrett, who visited from Chicago, shared his thoughts on being cautious no matter what the stats say. “I really don’t want to find out if crime is up or down. Being from Chicago, you learn what to look out for. Here I just want to enjoy myself peacefully and I feel that being out during the daytime is better than being out at night,” he mentioned. It’s always smart to stay aware, right?

Good News in the Waterfront District

If there’s more good news to share, it’s that nuisance crimes like disturbances, loud music, and solicitation in the Waterfront District have also seen a drop of a whopping 42%. This is really hitting the spot for locals who just want to enjoy their neighborhoods without any unexpected disruptions.

The Bottom Line

So, what does all of this mean for Myrtle Beach? It seems the future is looking a little brighter, with the community coming together to create a safer environment for both residents and our precious tourists. It’s all about good vibes, enjoying the beach, and feeling secure while doing it. Whether you’re lounging on the shore, digging into a plate of fresh seafood, or riding the waves, you can do it with a peace of mind knowing that Myrtle Beach is taking strides in the right direction.

Here’s hoping that these positive trends continue, because at the end of the day, that’s what we all want – a happy, safe, and thriving Myrtle Beach!