Bradenton Beach’s crime rate dropped 23.3% in 2022.
A 2022 report, presented to city commissioners March 16 by Police Chief John Cosby, showed total offenses decreased from 30 in 2021 to 23 in 2022.
The Bradenton Beach Police Department reported no violent crime for 2021 or 2022.
However, arrests, according to the chief’s report, increased from two in 2021 to 15 in 2022.
Some other statistics for incidents in 2022:
- Simple assault: two;
- Burglary: five;
- Larceny: 15;
- Motor vehicle thefts: two;
The total value of stolen goods for 2022 was estimated at $41,212, with $5,800 recovered by police.
Cosby cited increased patrols in the community redevelopment agency district as a reason for success in 2022.
The CRA District, established in 1992 to eliminate blight, is generally bordered by Cortez Road on the north, Sarasota Bay on the east, Fifth Street South on the south and the Gulf of Mexico on the west.
The BBPD runs CRA-funded patrols throughout the district Thursday-Sunday.
“The CRA patrol has helped out immensely,” Cosby said. “I am going to come back at budget and ask for the CRA board to approve adding Wednesday to that so we can have CRA from Wednesday to Sunday.”
Mayor John Chappie touted BBPD’s efforts in a March 22 interview with The Islander.
“We’re all very proud of our Bradenton Beach Police Department,” Chappie said. “Chief Cosby in the past couple of years has made some significant operational changes. He’s really emphasizing the training and technology that goes on with our police department. It’s just excellent community policing that these guys do every day.”
