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Violent crime soars in 2022 with blame pinned on too few cops, lax prosecutors, more brutal society

Homicides dipped slightly in 2022 but violent crimes such as rape, robbery and assault remain dramatically higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic, The Washington Times found in a review of data from police departments across the country.

Through the final week in December, violent crime in Chicago soared to 41% compared to the same period a year earlier, though homicides declined by 14%. In New York City, overall violent crime increased by 23% compared to 2021, but murders plunged by 13%. Violent crime in Los Angeles jumped by 8% while murders dropped by roughly 6%.

Studies by police and law enforcement organizations reached similar conclusions.