Overall crime rate down in Fargo for 2022; aggravated assaults, rapes, robberies increase

Image by WDAY News Staff - Tom Tucker
Image by WDAY News Staff - Tom Tucker

(Fargo, ND) -- Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski struck a positive tone while reviewing city crime stats for the year 2022 compared to 2021. 

"I'm happy to report that overall crime in Fargo is down 2022 compared to 2021 in all categories, some more than others, and we'll go over those numbers, but I think that's a nice way to start the conversation, our crime numbers are headed in the right direction," said Zibolski while speaking to the media at city hall Tuesday morning. 

Data shared by the chief showed "offenses against persons" declined .2 percent in 2022, while "offenses against society" dropped by 9 percent.

The number of "crimes against property" also decreased by 9 percent. 

While crime overall is down, crime rates in some specific sub-categories are up year-over-year.  Aggravated assaults were up 22 percent, with a total of 486 in the city. Rapes also increased 22 percent last year, with a total of 126. There were 743 reports of shoplifting, an increase of 37 percent. Robberies were up by 15 percent in 2022, with a total of 118. Motor vehicle thefts totaled 648, an increase of 13 percent