DAPHNE, Ala.—The recently released 2008 state crime report, published by the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center, reported a 29 percent decrease in overall crime in Daphne compared to 2007. The most dramatic drops reportedly included burglary, larceny and robbery, which decreased 42 percent; 30 percent; and 25 percent, respectively.

Conversely, the report showed a 50 percent increase in aggravated assault, 33 percent increase in rape and 12 percent increase in motor-vehicle thefts.

“Due to the downfall in the economy, we’re seeing an increase in violent crimes, including assault,” Daphne police Capt. Daniel Bell said, adding that more people are committing violent crimes to pay their bills.

Last year, the Daphne Police Department—which comprised 44 sworn officers and 27 civilians—reportedly made 103 arrests for Part I offenses, which include: homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft and arson. Of those arrests, 80 suspects were adults; 23 were juveniles.

The department last year made 808 arrests for Part II offenses, which include: simple assault, forgery, fraud, vandalism, prostitution, sex offenses, narcotic drug laws, driving under the influence, disorderly conduct and vagrancy. Of those arrested, 656 were adults; 49 were juveniles.

“Year to year, we see about the same trends,” Bell said.

For instance, the department anticipates an immediate increase in juvenile crime since school has let out for the summer.

See the rest of this story, including in-depth statistics on serious crimes, in the June 6 Daphne Bulletin.