Crime Down in Middlesex County

Crime in Middlesex County saw a 7.7 percent decrease between 2011 and 2012, according to statistics released last week by the Department of Law and Public Safety.

According to a press release from the state Office of the Attorney General, the overall crime total in New Jersey decreased four percent between 2011 and 2012, according to the 2012 Uniform Crime Report. 

The Uniform Crime Report tracks crime incidents throughout New Jersey in seven categories, including murder, rape, robbery, assault, larceny, burglary and motor vehicle theft, according to the release.

It also looks at bias crimes, carjacking and domestic violence incidents.

Between January 2011 and January 2012, Middlesex County saw some of the biggest drops in the categories of assault, motor vehicle theft and larceny. 

While the state saw an overall decrease of four percent in crime, increases in rapes and murders were reported, with 375 murders in 2011 to 387 in 2012. Rapes increased from 917 to 969 between the two years, according to the release. 

That trend was represented in Middlesex, with a 31 percent increase in reported rapes between January 2011 and January 2012, according to the report. 

"While the latest crime data shows a decrease in the overall crime rate in New Jersey, there is still considerable room for improvement.” Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman said, in a prepared statement. “Reducing the number of shootings and murders in our urban areas continues to be a priority for the Attorney General’s Office and the New Jersey State Police."

To view the full report, click here.