'Nuisance Crimes' Down In Alexandria Amid Rise In Part I Crimes

ALEXANDRIA, VA — While Alexandria experienced an overall increase in Part I crimes in 2020, "nuisance crimes" are down in the city, according to the Alexandria Police Department.

Nuisance crimes are defined by the police department as "unreasonable and unlawful use of property, which causes inconvenience or damage to others." These include certain drug and narcotic offenses, vandalism, DUI, liquor law violations, disorderly conduct, prostitution, and gambling charges.

Total offenses in 2020 totaled 1,915, a decrease of 329 from 2019.

"The Covid-19 pandemic and the decriminalization of marijuana impacted nuisance crimes in 2020," said Police Chief Michael Brown in a statement. "Nightlife activities were largely shutdown or restricted starting in mid-March, which impacted nuisance crimes involving alcohol."

The police department noted a 38 percent decline in drug and narcotic offenses amid the decriminalization of marijuana that started on July 1, 2020. Possession of small amounts up to one ounce still carries a civil penalty up to $25. However, the Virginia Assembly passed legislation to legalize small amounts of marijuana starting on July 1, 2021.

While overall offenses fell, the only type of offense with an increase involved destruction and vandalism incidents. There were 1,015 destruction and vandalism incidents in 2020, an increase of 225 from 2019.

Here's a look at Alexandria's 2020 nuisance crimes compared to 2019.

Part I crimes, defined as more serious crimes against people and personal property, totaled 3,268 in 2020, an increase of 525 from 2019. There were increases for all types of Part I crimes, with the exception of rapes.