2012 is upon us, so now is the time to reflect on the past year. According to the FBI, crime rates made a significant decline from those in 2010. The most significant change was experienced in the Midwest. All figures represent the rates from January to June of 2011.
Midwestern violent crime is down 9.7% from 2010. Violent crimes include murder and nonnegligent homicide, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
Murder: -8.5%
Forcible rape: -9.6%
Robbery: -8.1%
Aggravated Assault: -10.5%. Aggravated assault is the Midwest is the most drastic decline of any crime statistic. Also, the Midwestern decrease is nearly double that of the national average! Watch our informative video on assault in Minnesota here!
Property crimes in the Midwest are down a reported 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. However, motor vehicle theft has increased by 0.3%, compared to the national average of -5.0%. Although this decrease is true for the midwest region, however, property crime in Minneapolis has increased significantly this past year. According to MN criminal defense attorney Avery Appelman, this is just a sign of the times in the Twin Cities. “People are struggling, and there’s a natural correlation between financial hardship and property crime.”
Lastly, arson has decreased by 8.8% across the region.
Overall, the Midwest in 2011 experienced a significant decrease in crime from 2010. What does 2012 have in store for the region?
Source:
FBI National Press Office
