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Detroit Chief Credits Police Work, Armed Citizens For Drop In Crime

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Detroit Police Chief James Craig says improved police work and criminals being reluctant to prey on citizens who may be carrying guns should be credited for a drop in some crime this year.

Compared to last year, the city has seen 37 percent fewer robberies in 2014, 22 percent fewer break-ins of businesses and homes, and 30 percent fewer carjackings.

Craig has said publicly that armed citizens deter crime, and the department has released several statements which indicate they will support homeowners who legally protect their property with lethal force.

"Criminals are getting the message that good Detroiters are armed and will use that weapon," Craig told the Detroit News. "I don't want to take away from the good work our investigators are doing, but I think part of the drop in crime, and robberies in particular, is because criminals are thinking twice that citizens could be armed."

The department has said they're "not telling everyone to run out, grab a gun, shoot first and ask questions later," but they're encouraging responsible Detroiters who legally own guns to exercise their right to defend themselves.

TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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