Warning

 

Close

Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Confirm Cancel
BCM
User Panel

Posted: 12/13/2005 5:46:34 PM EDT
Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - Page updated at 08:50 AM

Violent crime down in state, data indicate
Seattle Times staff

Violent crime is down across the state, but property crimes are up, according to a six-month statistical snapshot compiled by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

The same held true in King County, but violent crimes and property crimes increased slightly in Seattle, according to the report.

The midyear statistics compare the number of crimes committed in the first six months of 2004 with those committed during the first six months of 2005.

Local law-enforcement officials cautioned against reading too much into the figures, saying trends can't be extrapolated given the short time span.

For instance, the statistics indicate a 10 percent increase in the state's murder rate, but that spike can be directly attributed to Yakima County: In the first six months of 2004 there was one homicide in the county, but between January and June 2005 nine people died as a result of homicidal violence, according to the midyear report. The difference of eight homicides brought the state total to 97, versus 88 during the corresponding period last year.

To view the complete midyear report of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, go to: www.waspc.org/wucrwibr/2005MidYear.pdf

"Crime statistics are more valuable when you can look at trends over several years," King County Sheriff's Sgt. John Urquhart said.

Still, Urquhart said the rise in property crimes — a 3.4 percent increase for the state and a 2.4 percent increase for King County — is likely connected to methamphetamine use.

"More than any other drug, it probably promotes other types of crime," such as identity theft, mail theft and car theft, he said.
Link Posted: 12/13/2005 5:49:10 PM EDT
[#1]

Local law-enforcement officials cautioned against reading too much into the figures, saying trends can't be extrapolated given the short time span.



I tend to agree.  Much of the crime is cyclical as groups rotate in and out of jail.  It sounds odd, but it happens.
Link Posted: 12/13/2005 7:59:18 PM EDT
[#2]
That's interesting...I never thought of it that way. At least you know you're locking up the right people.
Link Posted: 12/14/2005 10:04:39 AM EDT
[#3]
Washington State mid-year crime rate is down    

.......Well we had better close that evil gun show loophole and make the crime rate even lower.

IT'S FOR THE CHILDEREN!
Close Join Our Mail List to Stay Up To Date! Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.


By signing up you agree to our User Agreement. *Must have a registered ARFCOM account to win.
Top Top