Crime & Safety

Crime Rate Fell in Atlantic County in 2012

The 2012 Uniform Crime Report tracks crime data in each county in New Jersey.

Crime in Atlantic County saw a 13.1 percent decrease between 2011 and 2012, according to statistics released last week by the Department of Law and Public Safety.

According to a press release from the state Office of the Attorney General, the overall crime total in New Jersey decreased 4 percent between 2011 and 2012, according to the 2012 Uniform Crime Report. 

The Uniform Crime Report tracks crime incidents throughout New Jersey in seven categories, including murder, rape, robbery, assault, larceny, burglary and motor vehicle theft, according to the release.

It also looks at bias crimes, carjacking and domestic violence incidents.

Between 2011 and 2012, Atlantic County a decrease in simple assaults, burglaries and car thefts. But the county saw a 32 percent increase in homicides — from 22 to 29. The county also saw a 30 percent rise in rapes and attempted rapes — from 57 to 74.

While the state saw an overall decrease of four percent in crime, increases in rapes and murders were reported, with 375 murders in 2011 to 387 in 2012. Rapes increased from 917 to 969 between the two years, according to the release. 

"While the latest crime data shows a decrease in the overall crime rate in New Jersey, there is still considerable room for improvement.” Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman said, in a prepared statement. “Reducing the number of shootings and murders in our urban areas continues to be a priority for the Attorney General’s Office and the New Jersey State Police."

To view the full report, click here


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