Preliminary annual crime statistics compiled by the Oakdale Police Department show the overall crime rate was down in 2020 and below the five-year average.

From January to December of 2020, the Oakdale Police Department recorded more incidents of violent crime when compared to 2019 and fewer incidents of property crimes. This appears consistent with similar data released by other cities during the COVID-19 pandemic this past year.

There was one homicide in 2019 and one homicide in 2020. Reported robberies increased from nine incidents in 2019 to 12 in 2020, and reported rapes increased from five in 2019 to eight in 2020. There was a marked increase in arsons with seven reported incidents during the year as a result of officers addressing transient activities and fires in illegal camps.

Overall, violent crime increased by 17 incidents, with 57 reports of categorized violent crimes, including 29 aggravated assaults in 2020, compared to 40 incidents, including 25 aggravated assaults, in 2019.

DUI arrests were up 47 percent while traffic collisions were down 37 percent, and there was a 29 percent increase in reports of domestic violence during 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Property crime rates were down significantly, as burglary decreased 42 percent from 98 burglaries in 2019 to 57 in 2020, and larceny (thefts) decreased 43 percent from 337 incidents in 2019 to 193 in 2020. Vehicle thefts also decreased significantly from 90 in 2019 to 58 in 2020, resulting in a 36 percent reduction.

Overall, the Police Department’s preliminary crime data for 2020 shows overall crime was down 35 percent compared to the prior year’s numbers.