Cortez is listed as one of the safest communities in Colorado when analyzing the chances of falling victim to a household burglary.
A consumer news and advocacy organization recently unveiled an interactive map revealing the safest and worst cities in America using 2014 FBI statistics. Based on the odds, Cortez ranked fifth out of 122 cities in the Centennial State.
“I am very pleased to see that Cortez is ranked as the fifth-safest community in Colorado,” said Mayor Karen Sheek.
Examining other regional towns, Pagosa Springs, ranked at 115, was the most dangerous community in Southwest Colorado based on property crime probabilities. By comparison, Denver was rated at 103. In the middle, Telluride came in at 65, and Durango was listed at 57. In the upper tier, Mancos was rated at 27.
Despite the rankings, nearly two burglaries were reported daily in Cortez in 2014, according to the Consumer Affairs website. By comparison, Durango reported more than three burglaries per day. Telluride, Mancos and Pagosa Springs each reported less than one burglary per day.
Sheek, however, disputed the website’s data, stating the Cortez Police Department reported a total of 35 burglaries in 2014. Last year, the city reported 53, she said.
“I am proud to say that we have a dedicated police department and city staff who work hard every day to insure (sic) that Cortez is a nice, safe place to live, and I’m happy to call Cortez my home,” Sheek said via email.
In 2014, nearly 8.3 million property crimes were reported across the country, costing Americans more than $14 billion.