Crime in Florida is decreasing

Crime continues to decrease across Florida according to the 2014 Annual Uniform Crime Report. The report shows Florida’s crime rate dropped 4.9 percent compared to 2013. The total number of crimes dropped 3.6 percent or 25,476 fewer crimes committed compared to 2013. “I am proud today to stand with our state’s law enforcement community to celebrate Florida’s 44 year low crime rate,” said Governor Rick Scott. “This news is made possible by the brave men and women who protect our communities and risk their lives every day to ensure our families are safe. Florida’s low crime rate contributes to the state’s economic growth and momentum. It’s truly a reason why more and more people are visiting and moving to the Sunshine State to live their dreams.” The Annual UCR calculates crime volume, the number of index crimes known to law enforcement. Index crimes including robbery, burglary and larceny all fell during this reporting period while murder, forcible sex offenses, aggravated assault and motor vehicle thefts increased. While crime was down overall, murder and sex offenses were up slightly while robbery and burglary fell.   In Florida, there were at total of 673,138 offenses. There were 981 murders, 10,236 forcible sex offenses, 21,576 robberies, 58,272 aggravated assaults, 120,963 burglaries, 2,424,999 larcenies and 36,111 motor vehicle thefts. In Madison County, there were a total of 556 offenses in 2014. There was one murder, nine forcible rapes, 15 robberies, 125 aggravated assaults, 132 burglaries, 266 larcenies and eight motor vehicle thefts. In Jefferson County, there were a total of 321 offenses in 2014. There were no murders, six forcible rapes, two robberies, 131 aggravated assaults, 100 burglaries, 64 larcenies and 18 motor vehicle thefts. The 2014 Annual Uniform Crime Report, including county-by-county breakdowns, can be found on FDLE’s website at www.fdle.state.fl.us-/fsac/ucr/.