Crime in Pine Bluff increased significantly in March compared to the same time last year, with sharp rises in both violent and property-related offenses, according to newly released figures from the Pine Bluff Police Department.
Police reported a total of 247 crimes in March 2026, up from 182 in March 2025 — an increase of nearly 36%. So far this year, the city has recorded 657 total reported crimes.
Violent crime accounted for much of the increase.
Two homicides were reported in March, compared to none during the same month last year. Rape cases also saw a notable jump, rising from two incidents to six. Robberies, which were not reported in March 2025, increased to three cases this year.
Assaults also trended upward. Aggravated assaults rose from 16 to 24, while simple assaults saw one of the largest increases, climbing from 71 cases last year to 101 this March.
Property crimes showed mixed but largely upward trends.
Theft cases increased from 70 to 83, while commercial burglaries rose from five to seven. Motor vehicle thefts also edged up slightly, from nine cases to 10. Residential burglaries were the only major category to decline, dropping from nine incidents last year to eight this year.
Overall, police said reported crime is up about 36% compared to this point in 2025.
In addition to reported crimes, officers handled a high volume of calls for service throughout the month. The department responded to 2,533 calls in March and conducted 543 traffic stops, totaling 3,076 calls and stops combined for the month.
Year-to-date, Pine Bluff police have responded to 8,327 calls for service.
