| Increased Murders, Robberies, and Crime |
Crime rate increases 4.8 percent in county
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH ST. LOUIS COUNTY — An increase in property offense categories drove up the St. Louis County police crime rate 4.8 percent in 2008, although most violent offense categories were flat or down from 2007. The numbers, provided by the department, reflect only cases it handled in unincorporated areas or under contract with municipalities. Regional numbers will be compiled and reported through the FBI later. County officers said the downturn in the economy may have contributed to an uptick in property crimes, but stopped short of calling it the main cause. Larcenies increased 8.1 percent and vehicle thefts 5.8 percent. Burglaries were up 3.1 percent. Larcenies include gas station drive-offs, which spiked during the summer when fuel prices soared. Thefts also were up significantly in the Fenton precinct, possibly attributable to the boom of the Gravois Bluffs shopping area, police said. The department hopes the addition of detectives focusing on crimes by juveniles will help dent the property crime numbers, because many are committed by teens, spokeswoman Tracy Panus said.
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