Florida’s overall crime rate has dropped, and it’s the lowest it’s been in 42 years. But, despite the decline shown in a report released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, there has been a slight uptick in certain violent crimes.
According to Florida’s 2012 Annual Uniform Crime Report, Florida’s crime rate dropped by 6.5-percent. Crimes, like burglary, robberies, and car thefts showed a significant decrease. But, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger says despite seeing a decline in overall non-violent and violent crimes, there were some areas that showed slight increases.
“Under violent crimes, overall they dropped 4.3 percent, but we are seeing an uptick in certain violent crimes. Homicides were up 2.4 percent last year, forcible sex offenses increased 2.7 percent last year as well. It’s certainly something we’re going to be keeping an eye on,” said Plessinger.
Plessinger says some of the overall declines could be attributed to a better economy, but she says her department does not know what’s contributing to the increases in certain crimes.
