Dallas has highest crime in the nation, unless it doesn’t

by Mike Orren

DALLAS — A new FBI report indicates that Dallas has the most crime of any big city in America with 3,985 overall crimes per 100,000 people. (That's almost 4%! Got 100 people in your office? Be afraid...)

Houston was second, and San Antonio slacked behind in fourth, after Phoenix.

According to the New York Times, Dallas Police officials say they "overreport" crime. I've heard of a "real estate novelist," but never a crime-creating cop.

There are certainly flaws that can be pointed out in the FBI methodology, but that probably won't console the folks at the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau.

According to the report, violent crime was up 20% in Fort Worth, but there is a disclaimer stating that there were changes in state reporting practices that make the data apples-to-bowling pins. I'm sure how that wouldn't effect other cities, but that's one of many quibbles with the methodology.

Grand Prairie has seen a noticeable uptick in forceable rape and burglary.

Overall crime, especially violent crime, in Irving is down.

Richardson crime is down overall.

There appears to be an increase in arson across the entire region.