by KYW’s Michelle Durham
In spite of tremendous publicity all year long about the city of Philadelphia's skyrocketing homicide rate, the number of murders in the city is actually lower then it was this time last year.
Philadelphia homicide inspector Joseph Mooney cites the data:
"At this time last year we had 401 reported murders in Philadelphia. At this time, this date we have 390 for this year, 2007."
And what does Mooney attribute this 3% drop to?
"I think with the difference this year; you have to give credit to increased community awareness and involvement in the violence."
John Appledorn of Citizens Crime Commission whole-heartedly agrees:
"Basically what you have is that people are fed up. They are sick and tired of the criminals running this community. They're getting away with murder, they are terrorizing people and they are going to make that phone call and get them off the street."
Appledorn says the Citizens Crime Commission has helped police with tips on cases from graffiti to murder. That number is 215-546-TIPS.
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