Crime numbers don’t reflect recent Beech Grove tainted headlines
BEECH GROVE, Ind (WISH) — The city of Beech Grove has dominated both local and national news lately. But Beech Grove’s Mayor Dennis Buckley says the reputation the city’s getting, is not an accurate portrayal.
“I would define the city as a small community who focuses on bringing business in and keeping the city clean,” said Mayor Buckley.
But that’s not what the national headlines indicate. First we told you about a shoplifter at Wal-Mart in Beech Grove, who police say led them on a chase before crashing into two vehicles killing a woman.
Next it was standoff. Police say they shot and killed a suicidal man who pointed a gun at them.
Then we learned of the infamous Wal-Mart brawl where two women and a child fought in the shampoo aisle of the store.
A few days later, at Motel 6, another standoff situation, this one involved drugs.
Finally, officials arrested a Beech Grove police officer for driving while intoxicated.
John Johnson has lived in the city for almost 40 years. He says if it gets any worse, he’s ready to pack up and move.
“I keep my eye out and you never know what’s going to happen anymore in Beech Grove. Years ago it wasn’t like this. But all of the sudden, something has happened and I don’t know what,” said Johnson.
But have things really changed? Not according to the numbers. If you compare January through April 2014 to the same time in 2015, crime is about the same. In 2014 there were 736 crimes reported. In 2015, there was one less, or 735.
There were also fewer criminal arrests; 365 in 2014 compared to 345 in 2015. There were fewer juvenile arrests; 33 in 2014 and 28 in 2015.
In 2014 Beech Grove reports there were two assaults and in 2015 there were none. Homicides were at 0 for both years. Rapes went up; there were 0 in 2014 and two in 2015. Robberies also went up; with four in 2014 and six in 2015.
Wayne Lunn moved to Beech Grove for the school systems. He and his wife volunteered at Beech Grove schools for several years. Lunn just resigned as president of the band boosters.
“You can’t judge Beech Grove on a few people. If you recall all of those instances, only one person actually was a Beech Grove resident. Most of the other people, like the Wal-Mart people, they came from outside the city,” said Lunn.
At Lunn’s home, a Beech Grove doormat welcomes visitors. His windows are decorated with the school’s mascot, hornets. He was recently injured and now, fittingly wears an orange cast.
“My daughter is graduating Saturday and their colors are orange and black. So, there you go,” said Lunn.”
A place where wind chimes sound, American flags decorate the streets and neighbors walk their dogs; it’s a small town. A small town feeling 59-year old Mayor Buckley prefers over its crime ridden reputation it’s received lately.
“If somebody wants to say how bad the city is, well, I’ve lived here my entire life,” Mayor Buckley added, “The police department has been very diligent about keeping it out and we’ve done a very good job, but crime happens.”
Mayor Buckley says despite it being a safe city, he’s working on making it better. Beech Grove plans to hire more police officers and fire fighters over the next two years. Thursday morning, the city is meeting with corporate officials from Wal-Mart to discuss safety at the store. Mayor Buckley says he’d like for Wal-Mart to hire security to watch the store permanently.