Violent crime is down 11 per cent over last year according to first quarter crime statistics released yesterday by Halifax Regional Police.
The largest drop was seen in robberies, which were down 40 per cent from the first quarter of 2007.
Break and enters and theft of motor vehicles also saw a large drop of 20 per cent each. Other crimes that were down included assaults by six per cent, property crime by nine per cent, and thefts of over $5,000 and under $5,000 down by 55 per cent and 12 per cent respectively.
But it wasn’t all good news as enforcement-driven statistics have risen. Drug offences are up by a full 33 per cent based on charges laid.
Halifax Regional Police Chief Frank Beazley and Supt. Gordon Barnett of Halifax District RCMP said they are pleased with the stats, adding they reflect the downward trend seen in 2007 statistics.
