Cheyenne Police Chief Brian Kozak says the local violent crime rate is about 70 percent below the national average.

But he says the same can't be said for larcenies and thefts in general. Larceny generally means the theft of physical property, while theft has a broader meaning and can include such things as the theft of services.

The chief has said previously that the crime rate in the city in 2014 was the lowest it's ever been since those records have been kept.

He said Tuesday Cheyenne is a relatively safe place in terms of violent crimes such as homicide and similar offenses, citing the aforementioned  figure of 70 percent below the national average for Cheyenne.

But the chief says the city doesn't fare as well in categories that include various types of theft, where the local rate is actually a little above national averages.

Auto burglaries have been a long-standing problem in Cheyenne, and the police department regularly issues warnings for residents to keep their cars locked and not leave valuables--especially guns-- in vehicles overnight.

Kozak said Tuesday he thinks thefts tend to be common in Cheyenne in part because many people visit the area, leading in turn to more thefts.

He also warned the local crime rate tends to increase during warmer weather.

More From KGAB