EAST LANSING, Mich. — East Lansing Police Chief Tom Wibert will be discussing East Lansing’s recent crime trends at a press conference tomorrow, Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. in the Police Squad Room of the East Lansing Police Department (ELPD), 409 Park Lane.

According to a statistical report prepared by ELPD, the City of East Lansing hit an astounding 28-year low for Part I crimes in 2007. Part I crimes include murder and non-negligent manslaughter, criminal sexual conduct, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, UDAA (auto theft) and arson.

“The numbers show that our 2007 crime rate has reached an all-time low, the likes of which the City of East Lansing has not seen since 1979,” said Chief Wibert. “I credit our well-trained police force and the quality of our community for this drop in serious crime.”

In addition to the significant reduction in Part I crimes, another noteworthy highlight of the statistical report is the substantial decrease in motor vehicle accidents over the course of the past three years in East Lansing. ELPD was responding to more than 1,700 accidents each year in East Lansing from 2000 to 2004. In recent years, from 2005 to 2007, the department has responded to less than 1,300 accidents each year. This decrease is directly correlated with an increase in traffic enforcement by ELPD.

Note to media: Parking vouchers for the north lot of City Hall, 410 Abbot Road, will be available for media at tomorrow’s press conference.