SPRINGFIELD, IL - Illinois State Police Acting Director Gene P. Marlin announced today reports of serious crime statewide for the first quarter of the year were down substantially as compared to the same period in 1997.
"Overall, reports of serious crime were down 2.6 percent," said Marlin. "By starting off the year successfully, we continue a positive trend that has seen crime decrease in six of the last seven years."
Marlin said reports of arson saw the biggest decrease -- 10.2 percent. Criminal sexual assault declined 7.9 percent, burglary was down 6.7 percent, aggravated assault/battery decreased 5.4 percent, murder and robbery were both down 5.1 percent, auto theft declined 1 percent, and theft declined .7 percent.
"In 1992, a positive downward crime trend began," said Marlin. "Thanks to a healthy economy, more police officers, longer prison terms, successful community policing programs, and a host of other factors, fewer of our fellow citizens are becoming victims of crime."
The report also includes totals of supplemental crime statistics -- crimes against children, domestic violence, hate crimes, and attacks against school personnel.
1st Quarter 1998 1st Quarter 1997 Percent Change Attacks Against School Personnel 627 695 -9.8% Crimes Against Children 8,332 8,538 -2.4% Domestic Violence 30,388 30,656 - .9% Hate Crimes 42 70 -40% |
