OCEAN CITY, Md.- The Ocean City Police Department reports there was a significant drop in crime this summer compared to 2017.
Public Affairs Specialist Lindsay Richard said crime is down about 20 percent compared to this time last year.
That number accounts for major crimes, like serious assault and thefts.
Richard said the numbers follow a trend of decreasing crime rates over the past few years.
"I know in previous years, we've had single digit decreases in crime from year to year, but this is certainly the most dramatic decrease we've seen," said Richard.
Richard said the police department is still trying to figure out exactly why there was such a dramatic decrease in crime this year.
However, she said some changes made this summer may account for those numbers.
"Our public safety aides were much more visible in the downtown area on the boardwalk, so we think with the increase of police visibility and a few other tactics, maybe that had something to do with this decrease," said Richard.