Population growth often is associated with negative impacts,
including increases in crime. But Parker has beaten the odds this
year and is reporting significant decreases in crime
rates.

A list of charges filed with the Parker Police Department
through Dec. 7 shows an overall decrease in crimes both against
people and property.

The total number of charges filed with the police department in
2007 was down 12.9 percent from 2006.

The Parker Police Department uses the National Incident-Based
Reporting System to track the number of charges filed by the police
department, but not the number of incidents that
occurred.

Property crimes, including burglary, larceny and vehicle thefts,
decreased nearly 12 percent in 2007. There was a slight increase in
arson crimes, with one more charge filed in 2007 with the police
than in 2006, as well as an increase in robbery charges.

Parker police filed 11 robbery charges in 2007, eight more than
last year, according to a department crime statistics
report.

Parker police Lt. Ken LaVelle could not be reached for comment
before holiday press deadlines.

Crimes against another person are down more than 7 percent in
the areas of aggravated and sexual assaults. However, not all of
Parker’s crime rates have dropped.

Parker police filed 353 charges related to domestic violence,
compared with 313 last year. The number of drug offenses jumped 13
percent in 2007, and reports of kidnapping went from nine in 2006
to 16 this year.

The number of burglaries dropped nearly 25 percent, from 184 to
140 through Dec. 7. Disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace
reports decreased nearly 64 percent; there were 52 incidents in
2006, compared with 19 to date.

The number of citations for driving under the influence dropped
from 454 to 374 this year, and the number of vehicle theft charges
went down 27 percent.

Two homicide charges were filed, including one against Ricardo
Jaime Sanchez, 22, who is accused of shooting and killing his
co-worker at a construction site at Dransfeldt Road and Longs Way.
His trial is scheduled to begin in February.

303-663-7170, cmichlewicz@ccnewspapers.com