South Brunswick Police Say Town Is Among Safest In The County

South Brunswick police say recently released statistics show that the township is one of the safest large communities in the county.

Last week, the state released the latest Uniform Crime Report, which showed data about crimes reported in 2013.

Of the 11 municipalities in Middlesex County with populations over 40,000, South Brunswick had the second lowest crime rate, according to a news release from the township.

“This reduction in crime does not surprise me, I see the hard work and professionalism in the police department daily,’’ Mayor Frank Gambatese said in a prepared statement. “I think our town and police department take it up a notch when is comes to partnership and community policing. I am really proud of the police department and the work they do.”

Compared to other large communities in the county, South Brunswick had the lowest or second lowest number of reported crimes in several categories, including burglary, arson, robbery, the news release said.

The per capita, overall crime rate in South Brunswick was 12.7 percent in 2013; the violent crime rate was 0.5 percent and the non-violent rate was 12.2 percent. The only community with a population above 40,000 and lower crime rates was Monroe at 6.2 percent, 0.2 percent, and 6.0 respectively.

“The report confirms the hard work and community engagement that have continued to push crime lower in South Brunswick,’’ Chief Raymond Hayducka said in a prepared statement. “The 2013 numbers just released by the state, mirror our own internal numbers that we are seeing for 2014 as well.”