Iowa City saw an increase in crime from 2008 to 2009, particularly in categories involving theft.

One dramatic jump occurred in shoplifting, which nearly doubled from 191 reports in 2008 to 329 reports in 2009, according to the recently released annual report from the Iowa City police.

While crime statistics tend to fluctuate from year to year, police Sgt. Denise Brotherton gave possible reasons for shoplifting charges becoming more frequent. She noted a number of the theft cases involved juveniles, and business owners are becoming more strict in pressing charges.

“There could be less tolerance to juveniles as offenders,” she said. “When it continues to be a problem, businesses may increase security in their stores to prevent theft.”

The Coralville police annual report showed an increase in shoplifting as well, though it was a smaller jump than in Iowa City, from 229 in 2008 to 257 in 2009, said police administrative assistant Karen Mutchler.

Brotherton said the Iowa City police have taken action to prevent these crimes, including implementing the Crime Free Business program and hiring a crime-prevention officer at the end of 2009.

The Crime Free Business program — designed to reduce crime in and around businesses and provide a safe work environment — provides local establishments with security surveys and crime prevention tips and training. Jorey Bailey, Iowa City’s crime-prevention officer, worked to start up the program.

“There are several things we may see a change in, due to recently filling the crime-prevention position,” Brotherton said.

In total, crime incidents jumped from 3,993 in 2008 to 4,386 in 2009.

But Brotherton explained that a rise in statistics doesn’t always mean more crime is occurring.

“There are a lot of different factors that go into the statistics,” she said. “Sometimes it may just look like the numbers have jumped.”

For instance, 2009’s annual report showed motor vehicle theft increased from 65 cases in 2008 to 86 in 2009 — which Brotherton noted could be because of an increase in popularity in mopeds among University of Iowa students.

But officers do not take the statistics lightly, using them to help determine which areas need heavier patrol.

“The watch commanders can look and see where they need to have their people,” Brotherton said.

But sending a larger number of officers to areas with higher criminal activity can decrease presence downtown, which is when UI police officers can step in.

“Our downtown patrol will work with their officers and talk about where crimes will occur based on what is happening that night,” said Lucy Wiederholt, an associate director in the department.

Brotherton noted that while the Iowa City population increases along with crime, the police don’t grow at the same rate.

“What the statistics really show is that we need more officers,” she said.