We recently wrote a story about someone on Reddit who said they were moving back to Montana (Billings) and were concerned about the rise of violent crime. The consensus is that most violent crimes in the Billings area are between individuals or groups who know each other and are likely involved in drug use or sale. Random acts of violence are - thankfully - somewhat rare. Theft, however, affects just about everyone across the Treasure State.

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Western states have the most theft.

According to 2021 data compiled by USAFact.org, your odds of getting something stolen from you are highest in Colorado, Washington, and Oregon. At #1, Colorado has a property theft rate of 3,135 crimes per 100,000 residents. Montana has a property theft rate of 2,152 per 100,000 residents. The Dakotas and Wyoming are about the same, while Idaho has one of the lowest rates of property theft in the US.

Interestingly, the data confirms that every state’s property crime rate was lower in 2020 than in 1991.

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What are thieves stealing in Montana?

Everything might be a good answer and technically that's true. Data indicates that "miscellaneous" items are the most stolen in the US. After that, according to the Stealing Stranger's Stuff report from Safehome.org, the top items stolen in Big Sky Country are jewelry and precious metals. 

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Don't leave your gun in your vehicle.

The days of riding around Montana with a rifle in the back window of your pickup truck are long gone. The report notes that Montana ranks 5th for most firearms stolen. Only Hawaii, Alaska, Nevada, and Wyoming report more gun thefts per capita than Montana. Montana law enforcement officials have been reminding gun-toting citizens to pack their heat back into the house, instead of leaving a weapon in a vehicle. It's a good habit to get into.

Luxurious 6-Bedroom Home In Big Sky: A Slice Of Montana's High-End Living

Beautiful 6 bed, 10 bath home for sale. The stunning home is located in Spanish Peaks Resort in Big Sky, Montana.

Gallery Credit: Derek Wolf

Montana's Museum Of The Rockies Is For Everyone! Check It Out

Museum of the Rockies is nestled right next to Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman. The Museum is part of the American Alliance of Museums, which means that the Museum of the Rockies is one of the 1,095 museums to hold this distinction. With over 33,000 museums nationwide, this is quite an accomplishment. 

The Museum of the Rockies is also part of the Montana Dinosaur Trail. What is that? It is a trail that runs through the state of Montana and has 14 locations. Each location will get you just a little closer to the history and knowledge of Dinosaurs.  

Museum of the Rockies has current and rotating exhibits. Currently, (December 2021) here are some of my favorites that are on display: Siebel Dinosaur Complex, Welcome to Yellowstone Country, which digs into the history of Montana, Enduring Peoples Exhibit, highlighting the American Indians of Montana, and the Paugh Exhibit, illuminating the stories that connect us with the Northern Colorado Rockies. You can see all the exhibits here to make planning your trip easier.

Museum of the Rockies is an independent 501 Non-Profit here in Bozeman. With that being said, they hold some of the most exquisite benefits throughout the year. This gives the museum the opportunity to continue to be a highlight for the city of Bozeman. Another way to continue the success of the Museum of the Rockies is to become a member.

If you are considering donating to the Museum of the Rockies, you can check it out here and decide which program works best for you. Help Bozeman keep this amazing learning tool open and available to everyone. Enjoy your time at the Museum of the Rockies.

Gallery Credit: Megan Shaul

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