Reported Violent Crimes Down in Easton

Less violent crimes were reported in Easton in 2011 than were reported in 2010, according to statistics released this week by the FBI. The number reported last year was 25, while 41 were reported in 2010.

The FBI's annual Uniform Crime Report includes information submitted by local law enforcement agencies. The information is compiled and released to the public in the fall of the year that follows the reported year. 

Violent crimes include murder and non-negligent manslaughter (willful, non-negligent killing of one human being by another, according to the FBI's website), forcible rape (including attempts and "assaults to commit rape"), robbery and aggravated assault.

In 2011, there was zero reported murders in Easton.

Also reported for Easton in 2011 was one foricible rape, five robberies and 19 aggravated assaults. The 2010 report shows four rapes, 10 robberies and 27 aggravated assaults.

The Uniform Crime Report also features property crimes, which include burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft and arson.

There were 316 reported property crimes in Easton in 2011, up from 235 in 2010. This includes 135 burglaries (up from 67 in 2010), 165 larceny-thefts (up from 135 in 2010), 16 motor vehicle thefts (up from 15 in 2010) and zero arsons (the same as in 2010). 

A list of the reported crimes in each Massachusetts city and town in 2011 can be found here. The 2010 statistics can be found here. The FBI advises against comparing cities and towns to create rankings. The reasoning is explained here.

Nationwide, the number of reported violent crimes is down for the fifth-straight year. The number of reported property crimes is down for the ninth year in a row. Go here for more information on the nationwide statistics.