Crime on the Decline

While crime in the U.S. decreased only slightly overall in 2011, crime in Austin declined significantly, in almost every category, when compared to 2010, according to the FBI's latest uniform crime report, released this week.

The latest crime data, compiled by the feds from all crimes reported by law enforcement agencies from across the country, reveals that violent crime in the U.S. – that is, murder, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault – decreased 4% in 2011 over 2010. Nationally, the number of reported property crimes – burglary, larceny/theft, and motor vehicle theft – decreased only slightly, by .8% in 2011 over the previous year.

In Austin, however, the decreases in violent and property crimes were far more significant. Overall, violent crime in Austin decreased 8.4% in 2011 – including a 26.3% decline in murder, a 20.4% decrease in forcible rape, and 10.2% decrease in robbery. Property crimes were down 8% – with a 20% decrease in burglary leading the way, followed by less dramatic decreases in theft (5%) and auto theft (5%).

The only uptick in crime in Austin came from an increase in reported arson crimes; there were 127 arson cases reported in Austin last year, up from 122 in 2010 for a roughly 4% increase.

You can find the FBI data here.