While law enforcement is there to help when a crime occurs, taking a proactive approach to crime prevention is always wise. Understanding the types of crimes that occur and how prevalent they are can help you to better protect yourself, your family, and your home. Here are some Massachusetts crime statistics you should be aware of.

Crime by the numbers

Massachusetts saw a variety of crimes throughout 2023, as shown by this Massachusetts Crime Statistics page. Overall, 2023 saw an increase in crime from 2022, going from 232,866 crimes to 241,370. When it comes to crimes against property, here are some numbers you should know:

• Criminal damage: 28,870 offenses
• Burglary/breaking and entering: 9,289 offenses
• Motor vehicle theft: 8,737 offenses
• Larceny: 62,340 offenses
• Arson: 344 offenses

Residential crime

Residential crime is the most common type of crime that occurs in the United States.

There are many types of residential crime, including:

• Property crime: these are crimes that involve obtaining property or money through burglary, theft, or motor vehicle theft.
• Arson: the intentional setting of a fire to a person’s property, which can include a home, car, or land.
• Vandalism: the intentional destruction of a person’s property. This can include graffiti, the breaking of windows, damage to landscaping, and water damage, to name a few.
• Motor vehicle theft: this can involve the stealing of cars, motorcycles, and other motorized vehicles. Vehicles can also be the victim of break and enter, where their possessions are stolen, but the vehicle is left where it is.
• Porch piracy: the act of stealing packages that are left outside homes. According to Mass.gov, in 2023, porch pirates cost consumers and businesses approximately $9 billion. Massachusetts ranks number 13 as the worst state for porch piracy, according to Security.org.

Protecting home, property, and yourself

Knowing how to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home is important. Everyone can take the following steps to reduce their chance of becoming a victim of crime:

• Trim shrubs and trees to reduce hiding places around your house.
• Install security cameras. Security cameras are often enough to deter criminals, but if your home should be broken into, you will have recorded footage or an alarm will be set off to alert authorities.
• Track packages that you are having delivered so that you know when they’re due to arrive. If possible, have a neighbor pick up your packages if you won’t be home.
• Have deadbolts installed on all doors.
• Install a peephole or doorbell with a camera so that you can see who is at your door before opening it to strangers.
• Don’t walk alone at night whenever possible.
• If you carry a bag or purse, keep it small and close to your body. Leave unnecessary cards and keys at home.
• Install smart lighting outside and inside of your home that you can control remotely.
• Install an alarm system that will alert you and authorities of any suspicious activity in and around your home.

While unpleasant to think about, understanding the dangers that residents face is important. Research crime statistics in your neighborhood using local apps and news sources. When you know what’s happening close to home, you can take steps to protect yourself. 

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