Those high crime rates we supposedly have

[king1]

I wonder how that compares to population growth over the same time?

It is only over a year.  So I would suggest that saying the increase is due to population increase is diversion

I'd call it very relevant, but each to their own... 

Another relevant factor might the return of a large number of 501 deportees over the last few years and the influence they might be having on some types of crime...

Not denying the crime is happening or even up, based on the stats you linked, but it is certainly helpful if one looks to understand how and why...