Mohave County, located in northwestern Arizona and bordering Nevada, California, and Utah, has 13,461 square miles and is home to around 212,000 people. The county is well-known for its beautiful landscapes, historic attractions, and numerous outdoor leisure opportunities. Nonetheless, it is crucial to remember that some communities in Mohave County have increased safety concerns owing to a variety of reasons, including crime rates and types of crimes recorded. Here are five of the county’s communities that are notable for their security challenges:
1. Colorado City
Colorado City is a tiny town on the Utah border in the county’s northern region, with a population of around 4,800 people. Unfortunately, it has the highest violent crime rate in Mohave County, at a startling 1,419.7 per 1,000 people.
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This disturbing number can be ascribed in part to its affiliation with the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), a polygamous group embroiled in legal and criminal proceedings.
Accusations of discrimination against non-FLDS members, civil rights abuses, and harboring fugitives have plagued the community. Murder and rape are among the crimes committed here, along with assault, abduction, child abuse, and fraud.
2. Fort Mohave
Fort Mohave, a CDP in the southern section of the county near Bullhead City and Laughlin, Nevada, with a population of around 14,000 people. Its property crime rate is 3,479.3 per 1,000 people.
The neighborhood has seen considerable expansion and development in recent years, but it also faces challenges like as overpopulation, traffic congestion, infrastructural concerns, and environmental deterioration. Property crimes in Fort Mohave include auto theft, shoplifting, identity theft, and fraud.
3. Dolan Springs
Dolan Springs, a census-designated place (CDP) in the county’s central section near Lake Mead National Recreation Area, with around 2,000 people. Unfortunately, it has the highest property crime rate in the county, at 4,385.6 per 1,000 people.
Dolan Springs is a rural village that is isolated, neglected, and decaying due to a lack of appropriate law enforcement and public services. Property crimes in this area include theft, burglary, trespassing, and vandalism.
4. Bullhead City
Bullhead City, located in the county’s southern region along the Colorado River, with a population of around 39,000 and a violent crime rate of 318.3 per 1,000 citizens.
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While the city is a famous location for boating, fishing, gaming, and entertainment, it also faces issues including poverty, unemployment, homelessness, and substance addiction. Domestic violence and sexual assault are among the crimes committed in Bullhead City, along with DUI and narcotics charges.
5. Kingman
Kingman is the county seat and major city, with around 32,000 population. Unfortunately, it has a violent crime rate of 326.8 per 1,000 population, higher than the national average of 22.7.
Kingman, located along Interstate 40 and Route 66, attracts not just visitors and tourists, but also criminals like drug dealers and gang members. This inflow fuels crimes including robbery, burglary, arson, theft, and vandalism.
Conclusion
Mohave County, Arizona, known for its natural beauty, is dealing with security issues in various neighborhoods. Colorado City is dealing with an increase in violent crime tied to the FLDS group, Fort Mohave is dealing with property crimes despite expansion concerns, Dolan Springs is dealing with rural deterioration, Bullhead City is dealing with violence with recreational attraction, and Kingman is dealing with a criminal inflow during tourist. To solve these difficulties, comprehensive plans must be developed, taking into account the various aspects that influence each community’s safety concerns.