Crime Statistics Released
While California saw fewer violent crimes in the first half of last year, the state is reporting an increase in homicides.
The California Crime Index finds a six-point-four percent increase in homicides from January through June of 2001 compared to the same period during 2000.
The crime index tracks homicides, rapes, robberies, aggravated assaults, burglaries and vehicle thefts.
Overall, violent crimes decreased one-point-five percent statewide, though the number of overall crimes increased
one-point-two percent.
Along with the rise in homicides, robberies and motor vehicle thefts were up. The number of rapes, aggravated assaults and burglaries saw a decline.