Bombs, Break-ins and Bodies- Do You Feel Safe in Lawton, OK?

The past couple of weeks has been crazy in Lawton, Fort Sill. For the second time in less than a month, LPD (Lawton Police Department) and other law enforcement agencies responded to a suspicious device/bomb.

The intersection on Gore Blvd. and 11th Street was completely blocked off on Saturday (07-09-22) evening while LPD and the Fort Sill Explosive Ordnance Detachment investigated what appeared to be a bomb near the gas pumps at Circle K. It turned out that it wasn't a real bomb after all, but how crazy is that?

Back in mid-June, a bomb was found in an alley between 26th and 27th Street on West Gore Blvd. in Lawton. That one was an actual bomb! So we've had 2 "bomb threats" in town in less than a month. A few days ago there was a story about a body that was found in a dumpster in town. LPD arrested 2 suspects in the case.

It seems like we've had more than our fair share of shootings, stabbings, break-ins, vehicle thefts, and an apparent increase in overall violent crime and property crime in Lawton, Fort Sill lately. Or at least it appears to be increasing or getting worse. In the past few weeks, I've had the same conversation over and over with friends, family, and co-workers. A lot of people don't feel safe and are worried about our current crime rates.

When researching the crime rates in Lawton most of the numbers I've seen are for previous years. The site www.neighborhoodscout.com has details on Lawton, Fort Sill and according to the latest findings and what stats are currently available, we're looking at a violent crime rate of 8.08 per 1,000 residents.

The property crime rate of 23.25 per 1,000 residents makes the overall crime rate 31.32 per 1,000 residents which would make Lawton, Fort Sill higher than the national average. Keep in mind most of these numbers are from 2020. From what we're seeing so far anyway, the 2021/2022 numbers will be much higher.

Now I'm no expert and would never claim to be when it comes to crime statistics and all the data that's out there. But it does make me wonder: Is the crime rate rising, or is it the same or dropping? Perception is reality for most people and it would at least appear that the crime rates have gotten worse in Lawton, Fort Sill.

At least it feels that way especially if you're online or watching TV. Personally I still feel safe and don't necessarily worry about crime and personal safety, but I know a lot of people who do. So how about you? Do you feel safe living in or visiting Lawton, Fort Sill? Take the quick poll below and let us know your thoughts:

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If you've driven around town you've probably seen all the murals we have in Lawton, Fort Sill. If you take the time to look you'll notice that they're everywhere. We're lucky to have so many talented artists that share their work with us regularly by painting murals. One name you've probably heard before is Justin Hackney and Spreading PAINT. His work of masterful murals can be found all over town. He's done some of the very best and has painted everything from rock stars to celebrities and everything in between. He has a style all his own and has painted murals in full color, vivid transposed negative style, and in black and white. Be on the lookout for his latest mural masterpiece he's going to keep painting them so long as people want them and there's wall space. Looking forward to seeing his next one! Check out the gallery below of Justin Hackney's Spreading PAINT murals and where to find them. We'll continue to add to the gallery as he paints them.