| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Putnam/100k people | Connecticut/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 102 | n/a (estimate) | 1,103 | 1,644 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 3.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 64.9 | 18.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 21.6 | 44.9 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 4 | n/a | 43.3 | 83.3 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 12 | n/a (estimate) | 130 | 150 | 370 |
| Burglary | 10 | n/a | 108.2 | 130.1 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 78 | n/a | 843.8 | 1,168.1 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 2 | n/a | 21.6 | 195.8 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 90 | n/a (estimate) | 974 | 1,494 | 1,954 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Putnam is 52.5% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 12 violent crimes reported in Putnam, equivalent to 130 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 64.9%. Additionally, Putnam recorded 90 property crimes, amounting to 974 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 50.2%.
In the latest reported crime year, Putnam recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Putnam. Based on the results of the surveys (5 responses), 80% of people felt that there was very little crime in Putnam and felt safe walking alone at night. While 20% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Putnam is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Putnam has a total crime rate that is 53% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.28 daily crimes (0.03 violent daily crimes and 0.25 daily property crimes) in Putnam.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Putnam has decreased by 10.5%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Putnam, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 47.8%, while property crime has decreased by 1.1%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Putnam is a safe place to live.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Putnam, 82.3% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Putnam, the cost of living is 5.2% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Putnam, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 0 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Putnam | Connecticut | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | n/a | 5,593 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | n/a | 2.6 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Connecticut /100K | National /100K |
| Connecticut | 6,088 | 184 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Holland, MA | 1,430 | 77 | 155 | 232 |
| Chepachet, RI | 1,673 | 59 | 439 | 498 |
| Harrisville, RI | 1,284 | 70 | 525 | 595 |
| South Woodstock, CT | 1,031 | 58 | 578 | 636 |
| East Douglas, MA | 2,985 | 152 | 506 | 658 |
| Quinebaug, CT | 1,266 | 65 | 643 | 708 |
| East Brooklyn, CT | 2,103 | 72 | 717 | 789 |
| Putnam, CT | 7,138 | 130 | 974 | 1,103 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Nappanee, IN | 7,138 | 131 | 963 | 1,094 |
| Belle Plaine, MN | 7,137 | 121 | 659 | 780 |
| River Park, FL | 7,139 | 310 | 1,876 | 2,186 |
| Philadelphia, MS | 7,137 | 222 | 1,580 | 1,801 |
| Belle Isle, FL | 7,139 | 88 | 533 | 621 |
| Putnam, CT | 7,138 | 130 | 974 | 1,103 |
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