Shoplifting And Vehicle Thefts Surge In Springfield Amid Influx Of Haitian Migrants

Reports of shoplifting and vehicle thefts in Springfield, Ohio, have risen sharply, coinciding with the arrival of thousands of Haitian refugees over the past three years. Data obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation indicates a staggering 112.8% increase in shoplifting and a 51.5% rise in motor vehicle thefts from 2021 to 2023.

Springfield, which had a population of 58,622 in 2020, has seen between 12,000 and 20,000 Haitian refugees settle in the area, resulting in a population increase of approximately 20.4% to 34.1%. Residents have voiced concerns about the impact of this influx on local crime rates, public services, and housing prices. City Manager Bryan Heck has reached out to Ohio Senators Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance, as well as South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, seeking federal assistance to address the strain on resources.

Locals have reported various issues, including a rise in car accidents and increased housing costs, attributed to the influx of migrants. Some residents have also raised concerns about inappropriate public behavior among Haitians, although these claims remain unverified.

Springfield has had a higher crime rate than the national average even before the recent increase in migration. In 2019, the city’s violent crime rate was 493.8 per 100,000 residents, compared to the U.S. average of 366.7 per 100,000. Police data shows that vehicle thefts increased from 324 incidents in 2021 to 491 in 2023, while shoplifting cases rose from 295 to 628 during the same period.

The growing number of migrants was partly driven by a labor demand created by new businesses attracted to Springfield, according to reports. While some residents express frustration, many migrants are contributing to the local economy by paying taxes.

To address the challenges posed by the influx of migrants, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has allocated $2.5 million in state funds and deployed the Ohio State Highway Patrol to assist with traffic enforcement, particularly in light of a tragic incident involving a Haitian national driving without a license that resulted in the death of an 11-year-old boy.

Despite rising crime statistics, some reports of animal cruelty linked to Haitians have been debunked, with only two cases reported in 2021 and none in the following years. Overall, the number of murders and assaults in Springfield has remained relatively stable.

The Biden-Harris administration has granted Temporary Protected Status to Haitians since 2021, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. legally. However, the surge in migrants has placed significant strain on local budgets and resources, as seen in major cities like New York and Chicago.

As Springfield grapples with the impact of migration, residents are calling for help and solutions to manage the challenges they face. “We’re tired — help,” one local resident emphasized. “Send help. Help us fix this.”