The higher oil prices we are facing now are a tax on the American economy and help explain the drop in growth rates in the last two quarters.  But crime is also a tax on families and businesses, and the news on this front is ALL very good. Here are the latest statistics:

In the first half of 2026 vs. the same period last year:

• Homicides are down 18% — on pace for the lowest level in at least 126 years.

• Motor vehicle thefts are down 20%.
• Robberies are down 17%.
• Residential burglaries are down 13%.

Compared to the peaks of the past nine years:

• Homicides are down 51%.
• Carjackings are down 73%.
• Residential burglaries are down 56%.
• Motor vehicle thefts are down 51%.

The steepest homicide drops have come in cities where the Trump Administration stepped in after Democrat leaders failed to act:

• In Memphis, murders are down more than 43% so far this year — after the city recorded fewer than 200 murders last year for the first time since 2019.
• In Washington, D.C., murders are down more than 42% so far this year — following a 60% plunge in murders last year.
• In New Orleans, murders are down more than 32% so far this year — after the city’s homicide rate fell last year to its lowest in nearly 50 years.
• In Los Angeles, murders are down more than 18% so far this year — after the city saw a nearly 20% drop last year.

Since criminals generally prey on low-income families and minorities, lowering crime is one of the best ways to enhance civil and equal rights and reduce poverty.