Salem’s violent crime dipped, homicides at 15-year high in 2023

Violent crime in Salem slightly declined last year overall while homicides were the highest they’ve been in 15 years, according to recently released data from the Salem Police Department.

Property crimes last year were the lowest rate reported in 15 years. That drives overall crime rates down because Salem sees significantly more property crimes than violence, which police officials say they have turned their attention to.

The number of violent crimes reported in 2023 was…