South Bend, Elkhart, Mishawaka listed as some of the least safe cities in Indiana

SOUTH BEND, Ind., -- A report from the National Council for Home Safety and Security listed South Bend, Elkhart, and Mishawaka as some of the least safe cities in Indiana. 

The council looked at FBI crime report data from 2016 and determined those cities had higher rates of violent crime and property crime than other parts of Indiana. The council ranked South Bend, Elkhart, and Mishawaka as the second, third, and sixth least safest cities in the Hoosier State. 

 “I feel safe in South Bend but I know there are rough parts of the city," said South Bend resident Cameron Moore.

The study looked at the amount of violent crime and property crime per 1000 people in 58 cities across Indiana. Mishawaka ranked 53. It reported 3.42 violent crimes and 52.26 property crimes per 1000 people. Elkhart ranked 56. Data shows 15.07 violent crimes and 43.12 property crimes per 1000 people. At 57 out of 58 is South Bend. The city averages 10.20 violent crimes and 50.84 property crimes per 1000 people. 

“I wouldn’t say I’m surprised the numbers are coming out like that," said South Bend resident Blu Casey. 

Hoosiers say the numbers are discouraging. 

"It could definitely use some improvements though honestly," said Moore.

The South Bend Police Department says it’s trying to lower that number. Mishawaka Police Department and Elkhart Police Department were asked for comment. MPD declined to comment. 

Elkhart Police Sgt. Chris Snyder provided the following statement:

"The City of Elkhart and the Elkhart Police Department have worked very hard on crime reduction with those efforts we saw a reduction in all major crimes in 2017 compared to 2016."

"We do our best to try and reduce crime in our communities and it’s done in many different ways," said South Bend Police Spokesperson Ken Garcia. 

Hoosiers offered some ideas for change as they looked at the statistics. 

“I feel like if the older leaders start reaching out to the younger leaders that are coming up, then we can start bridging the gap and start having real conversations that changes things," said Casey. 

"Our officers interacting with the public, making themselves available, listening to what people have to say, can help us in responding to crime," said Garcia.