The FBI this week reported that violent crime increased 2.5 percent nationwide last year, with the biggest increase, 5.7 percent, in the Midwest.
However, violent crime in Evanston declined 15 percent last year, according to figures compiled by Evanston police that are submitted to the FBI.
The FBI reported that property crime declined 1.6 percent nationwide. The smallest decline, 0.7 percent, occurred in the Midwest.
Property crime in Evanston, by contrast, declined 5.7 percent during 2005.
Evanston police report crime has declined in the city for eight years in a row and the rate now is lower than at any time since before 1970.
Despite the declining crime rate here, Mayor Lorraine Morton noted at Monday’s City Council meeting that crime remains a problem — whether it’s breaking windowpanes in cars or muggings.
Related links
FBI – Preliminary Crime Statistics for 2005
Evanston Police – Crime Declines Eight Years
New York Times – Small Cities Hit Hard in Crime Report