Property, Violent Crimes In Minnesota Decreased Last Year: Report

SAINT PAUL, MN — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension released its 2018 Uniform Crime Report today, in which law enforcement agencies across the state reported decreases in numerous crime categories.

Minnesota saw significant decreases in robberies and aggravated assaults, according to the report. There also was a decrease in burglary, larceny, arson and drug abuse violations. Two notable increases in 2018 were reflected in the report, including rape cases and motor vehicle thefts.

VIOLENT CRIMES

Violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, human trafficking and aggravated assault) decreased 6.7 percent in 2018. Murders decreased from 114 in 2017 to 104 in 2018. Rapes were up 9.3 percent in 2018. Robberies and aggravated assault both saw declines in 2018.

PROPERTY CRIMES

Property crimes decreased in 2018, down 8.9 percent compared to 2017. Motor vehicle theft was up for the third straight year. But burglary, larceny and arson all saw sizable decreases. Arson numbers dropped to their lowest number since the state started tracking arson crimes.

ADDITIONAL DATA REPORTED

The report is an annual compilation of data reported to the state by local law enforcement agencies. The data is then turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for reporting purposes.