Sexual Assaults Increased in Shelton in 2011

The number of sexual assaults reported in Shelton last year nearly doubled from 2010, according to the 's crime statistics. Meanwhile, driving-related infractions and misdemeanors decreased significantly.

Chief Joel Hurliman said that sexual assault numbers tend to fluctuate over the years. In 2011, 22 were reported as compared to a dozen in 2010.

"If you look back over the history of years, sexual assaults have gone up and down and sometimes that’s difficult to track whether it’s due to increased reporting and awareness. Some of it may be the result of domestic incidents as well," Hurliman said.

He added that there have been no recent law changes to account for the spike in number, "but public awareness has a factor, and it does tend to go underreported."

As for the drop in infractions and misdemeanors (see charts below for exact numbers), Hurliman said seatbelt compliance has gotten much better. "We do usually give out a lot of tickets for drivers not wearing their seatbelts, but this past year there weren't as many, which is what we want--to keep everyone safe."

Department for outstanding traffic safety education and enforcement programs.

However, looking at individual offenses, 2011 did yield one of the largest dollar amount infractions ever.

"It was over $5,000, Hurliman said. "It was an overweight motor vehicle with improper equipment, improper license and a trailer that was too heavy. Those are the kinds of things we want to get off the road."

Burglaries and larcenies increased marginally between 2010 and 2011. Hurliman said many of these types of crimes are drug-related. Most recently, Shelton detectives for his involvement in residential burglaries in Shelton, Derby, Seymour, and Middlebury.

Group A Crime Statistics

Arrest & Citation Statistics

Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics

Property Statistics