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Reported Crimes in Pennsylvania Decreased in 2011

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The overall number of crimes in the commonwealth dropped .7 percent in 2011, while violent crimes declined .9 percent and were at their lowest rate since 2003. The data comes from crimes reported to the State Police through the Uniform Crime Reporting System.

The total number of crimes reported to the state police in 2011 landed at 927,271, compared to 934,248 in 2010. Violent crimes, such as murder, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault dropped from 46,363 in 2010 to 45,967 in 2011.

“This overall decline is a positive reflection of the hard work being done by our troopers and law enforcement officers who risk their lives each and every day to make Pennsylvania safer and more secure,” said State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan.

Law enforcement agencies across the state enter monthly crime information into a database that goes to the State Police, and is used to compile reports on crime statistics. But the Uniform Crime Report doesn’t delve into the reasons behind any decreases or increases in criminal activity.

“It’s purpose is to help criminal justice agencies adjust their efforts and resources,” said Noonan, but State Police Spokesman Adam Reed said there may be a couple of reasons for the declines, "we certainly attribute these decreases to the efforts of law enforcement and possibly better training of law enforcement."

The breakdown of reported crime index offenses:

  • Murders decreased 2.3 percent from 653 to 638
  • Forcible rapes decreased 4.1 percent to 3,320
  • Robberies decreased 1.3 percent to 16,117
  • Aggravated assaults decreased .1 percent to 25,892
  • Arsons declined 12.9 percent to 1,775
  • Reported hate crimes decreased from 83 in 2010 to 73 in 2011
  • Assaults on police officiers decreased 18.2 percent 2,484
  • Arrests for driving under the influence decreased 1.5 percent to 51,716

Statewide crime numbers weren't down across the board. Reed said property-related crimes, such as burglaries, larcenies, and thefts of motor-vehilces went up.

  • Burglaries increased 5.1 percent to 57,675
  • Larcenies/thefts increased 2.2 percent to 207,398
  • Motor-vehicle thefts increased 1.0 percent to 16,812

The numbers listed in the Crime Report are subject to change as police departments update or review their reports. Monthly reports are availble to the public here.