Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

Pandemic helps Duluth police report significant drop in crime this May

Duluth Police Department observed an 83 percent reduction in overall crime this May compared to May 2019. (Courtesy Duluth Police Department)
Duluth Police Department observed an 83 percent reduction in overall crime this May compared to May 2019. (Courtesy Duluth Police Department)
By Karen Huppertz
June 30, 2020

The Duluth Police Department observed an 83 percent reduction in overall crime this May compared to May 2019. According to their statement, “We understand the recent pandemic was a contributing factor to the drop in crime, however, lower crime is always good to broadcast.”

SafeWise, which uses FBI crime statistics and U.S. Census population data to rank the safest cities in each state has ranked Duluth the 14th safest city in Georgia with 0.7 violent crime incidents per 1,000 and 18 per 1,000 property crimes based on 2018 data.

Braselton has taken the top spot in the state for safety with a violent crime rate of 0.1 incidents per 1,000 and just 66 total crimes reported in 2018.

Auburn follows Duluth as the 15th safest city in Georgia, followed by Flowery Branch at 27th and Loganville at 31st. SafeWise's Top 50 Safest Cities in Georgia also ranks Suwanee in at number 33. Additional data: www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-georgia/.

About the Author

Karen Huppertz
More Stories

Keep Reading

Linda Tran works with staff to prepare large platters for each table during the Thanksgiving Celebration at the First Senior Center on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, in Norcross. Linda and her sister Von Tran, who jointly operate the First Senior Center, are refugees with a harrowing survival story of leaving Vietnam as children. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Vietnamese refugee sisters survive harrowing journey, now pay it forward

The Tran sisters, Von and Linda, make Thanksgiving special for Vietnamese seniors at First Senior Center of Georgia in Norcross, hosting both American and Vietnamese feasts.

Thanksgiving to bring chilly, dry, overall delightful weather to metro Atlanta

A big drop in temperatures is coming overnight Wednesday, so go ahead and pull out those flannels and blankets.

Stabbings at Buckhead high-rise, Vivide nightclub turn deadly

Separate stabbings that left two men dead sent Atlanta police flying across the city in the early morning hours Wednesday.

The Latest

Sonny Bharadia, who spent more than two decades behind bars for a 2001 crime he did not commit, is suing the small town of Thunderbolt and the two law enforcement officers who handled his case. (Courtesy of Georgia Innocence Project)

Credit: Georgia Innocence Project

Man locked up for 23 years despite evidence proving his innocence, lawsuit says

Vietnamese refugee sisters survive harrowing journey, now pay it forward

Stabbings at Buckhead high-rise, Vivide nightclub turn deadly

Featured

Marquay Collins reviews Hattie B's in Atlanta in a video posted on Nov. 10, 2025. (marquaythegoat/TikTok)

Credit: @marquaythegoat

Georgia TikTok star ‘Marquay the Goat’ dies at 24

Sources familiar with the situation said Collins had complained of head and neck pain in the days leading up to his death.

State troopers record 30 crashes, 57 DUIs at start of Thanksgiving operation

Georgia State Patrol troopers are increasing their presence across the state’s interstates and state roads during the Thanksgiving travel period.

Everything you need to know about No. 4 Georgia vs. No. 23 Georgia Tech

The Yellow Jackets (9-2) are looking to break that long run of losses to UGA. And a win Friday would keep their faint CFP hopes alive.