There have been eight homicides in the city of Lincoln this year. Most of the cases have happened since May and that spike in violence is a big concern for residents and police.
“They have concerns and we have concerns as well about the violence in out city,” says assistant chief Jason Stille. “Looking at the trailing five years, this is the most shooting incidents and the most shooting victims that we’ve had.” There has been a 40 percent increase in the reports of shootings and shots fired this year.
Stille says crime prevention is a community problem and needs to be handled as a community. “We we will do our part, but we need people to come forward.”
He says anyone who has information about a violent crime is urged to call LPD at 402-441-6000. Callers who want to remain anonymous can call Lincoln CrimeStoppers at 402-475-3600.
Police Chief Teresa Ewins says a lot of the shootings have been gang related. “People’s anger toward each other can not always be about grabbing a firearm. That can’t be the solution.”
She says one thing residents can do to prevent violence is to make sure guns are secured. “A lot of our cars being broken into some of the guns are stolen and sometimes people don’t know for weeks if not months if their gun was actually taken. People need to secure their guns, make sure they know where it is.”