It seems like we've had more than our fair share of shootings, stabbings, break ins, vehicle thefts and an apparent increase in overall violent crime and property crime in Lawton, Fort Sill lately. Or at least it appears to be increasing or getting worse. In the past few weeks I've had the same conversation over and over with friends, family and co-workers. A lot of people don't feel safe and are worried about our current crime rates.

Recently Elgin, OK. for the third straight year has been named Oklahoma's safest city. Click here to see all the details. That got people talking and wondering about Lawton, Fort Sill and our crime rates. The state is improving some when compared to last year's numbers but how are they here in Lawton, Fort Sill? Most of the crime statistics I've looked at are for 2019 along with some limited details and stats that are available for 2020. So is it getting better or worse? Well Oklahoma as a state has a higher crime rate when compared to the National average and at this time according to www.safewise.com the Sooner State has the fourteenth highest violent crime rate and the sixth highest property crime in the country.

When researching the crime rates in Lawton most of the numbers I've seen are for previous years as mentioned above. The site www.neighborhoodscout.com has details on Lawton, Fort Sill and according to the latest findings and what stats are currently available we're looking at a violent crime rate of 9.29 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 33.37 per 1,000 residents making the overall crime rate 42.67 per 1,000 residents which would make Lawton, Fort Sill higher than the National average and over double the average for the state of Oklahoma. Keep in mind most of these numbers are from 2019.

Now I'm no expert and would never claim to be when it comes to crime statistics and all the data that's out there. But it does make me wonder: Is the crime rate rising, or is it the same or dropping? Perception is reality for most people and it would at least appear that it's gotten worse. At least it feels that way especially if you're online or watching TV. Personally I still feel safe and don't necessarily worry about crime and personal safety, but I know a lot of people who do. So how about you? Do you feel safe living or visiting Lawton, Fort Sill. Take the quick poll below and let us know your thoughts:

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