In conjunction with the ongoing conversation in another thread about comparing crime rates in northern side of Decatur to the southern side, DPD’s Sgt. Jennifer Ross crunched some 2012-present crime statistics for us.  (The dividing line between north and south in this data breakdown is the railroad tracks.)

And of course, you can always dig deeper into Decatur’s crime data on Crimereports.com.

As you can see, in most cases the northern side of the city – which includes a large majority of downtown Decatur – has higher crime rates than the southern, more residential southern side of the city.

Robberies:

• North = 41 *Includes 4 carjacking cases
• South = 22

Burglaries:

• North = 121
• South = 126

Entering Autos:

• North = 245
• South = 207

Theft by Taking/Motor Vehicle:

• North = 84
• South = 50

Perhaps you have a backyard garden.  Or even a front yard garden!

Decatur also has quite a few community gardens these days. Many of which have substantial waiting lists. There’s the famous Oakhurst Community Garden, but also the Scott Community Garden - located behind the Rec Center at 231 Sycamore St, the Sugar Creek Garden, the Refugee Family Services Farm, the Decatur High School Community Garden, and the Tanyard Community Garden – between Northern Ave and Peavine Creek.

So gardeners, we know you’re out there digging beds and spreading compost!  What fruits and vegetables are you planting (or planning on planting) this spring?  What grows well for you around here?  And what have you had trouble getting to grow?

Tanyard Community Garden photo courtesy of The Decatur Minute