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LCSO: Local crime rate plunges again

By Staff | Feb 20, 2013

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office had its lowest crime rate since the turn of the new millennium, another 12.17 percent drop compared to last year.

In the Uniform Crime Reports, the current crime rate has dipped below 2500 – actual 2495.54 – surpassing last year’s rate of 2841.

Sheriff Mike Scott credited the efforts of department employees.

“If it weren’t for the proactive efforts of our deputies and support staff around the clock on the street, in the jail, on the phone and in dedicated service, we would not see such improvements,” he said.

“While the work is never over, I stand proud to serve with these professionals as we encourage citizens to report suspicious activity, report crimes and offer our support to those victimized,” he said. “Have no doubt, we will do everything in our power to seek out the criminals who try to diminish the quality of life.”

The biggest drop was in residential burglaries with 778 fewer than last year, or a 24 percent drop. Thefts more than $200 also had a significant reduction by 621 crimes, down 18 percent.

In the violent crime area, robberies fell 33 cases, a 9 percent decrease.

The most notable jump was in motor vehicle thefts, rising by 124 incidents. Murder showed also an increase of two cases, totaling 17.