News Summary
Myrtle Beach has seen a nearly 50% drop in crime rates since 2015, with reported incidents decreasing from over 4,900 to fewer than 2,600 in 2024. Mayor Brenda Bethune celebrates this community effort alongside the police department’s initiatives, including enhanced technology and training. While some crimes like fraud have risen, the collaboration between law enforcement and residents highlights a commitment to safety. Despite staffing challenges, the focus remains on making Myrtle Beach a safe haven for all, with proactive measures underway.
Myrtle Beach Crime Rates Plummet: A Community Success Story
Good news is bringing smiles to the sunny shores of Myrtle Beach, where crime has taken a significant nosedive in the last several years. Recent reports revealed that crime in this vibrant coastal city has dropped almost 50% since 2015. That’s right—nearly half! From over 4,900 reported incidents in 2015, Myrtle Beach is now enjoying the safety of fewer than 2,600 incidents in 2024.
Celebrating Safety and Success
Mayor Brenda Bethune is all about celebrating this incredible turnaround and is keen on sharing this positive news with residents. There was a time when Myrtle Beach faced some scrutiny, being ranked as the 3rd most dangerous city in the U.S. by Safewise back in 2017. Thankfully, that is now a thing of the past, and the community is working together to create a safer environment for everyone.
Behind the Numbers: Law Enforcement Initiatives
The Myrtle Beach Police Department recently presented its 2024 annual report to the city council, shedding light on the efforts they’ve put into making the city safer. Police Chief Amy Prock shared insights into various initiatives that have contributed to this impressive decline in crime. Some of these include distributing city cell phones to officers, enhancing city camera views by adding 246 new camera angles, and boosting de-escalation training. All these efforts showcase how technology and training can transform the approach to policing and community safety.
Interestingly, while the overall crime rate is down, certain crime trends such as fraud and shoplifting have increased. Reports indicate a rise from 761 cases in 2023 to 862 cases in 2024. It’s a clear indication that while some crimes are diminishing, others require focused attention. The police department, ever vigilant, is collaborating with local, state, and federal authorities to tackle retail theft effectively and provide community training on staying alert to fraud.
Community Collaboration: A Unified Effort
The police chief emphasized the unique rapport the department shares with the community. The collaborative spirit between law enforcement and residents is key in dealing with crime efficiently and creating a safe atmosphere for everyone. It’s not just about enforcing laws; it’s about the community coming together, engaging in preventive measures, and watching out for one another.
Meeting Challenges Head-On
Despite the notable progress, the Myrtle Beach Police Department is facing challenges, particularly regarding staffing. The department presently has 50 vacancies but is actively working on filling these roles. There are 12 new officers undergoing final background checks, showcasing a commitment to reinforcing law enforcement presence in the area. Recruitment efforts are ramping up, with a focus on outreach at colleges, military bases, and local marketing campaigns.
As 2025 approaches, the police department is looking ahead with excitement. They aim to improve technology for faster responses and put enhanced measures in place to combat property offenses. Particularly noteworthy is their plan to expand the acoustic threat detection system, presently covering around 10% of the city, with a focus on schools and areas heavily frequented by families.
Staying Vigilant Together
The continued reduction in crime rates in Myrtle Beach reveals not just the hard work of the police department but a community that cares deeply about their shared safety. This positivity and proactive approach foster hope for an even brighter future. As the Myrtle Beach community comes together to celebrate their progress, the shared ambition is clear: to keep the city a safe and inviting place for residents and visitors alike.
So, here’s to the stunning progress on the crime front! With the community’s continued efforts, Myrtle Beach is well on its way to being recognized not just for its beautiful beaches, but also for being a safe haven for all.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE News
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- WMBF News
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach crime rates
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach crime reduction
- WBTW News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime Reduction
- WMBF News Update
- Google News: Myrtle Beach police department
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
