Total crime in Youngstown decreases

YOUNGSTOWN — Overall, crime in the city dropped 13 percent for the first half of the year, compared to the first six months of 2007.

Crimes that increased were murder, up 13 percent, and motor vehicle theft, up 7 percent.

There were 15 homicides at the end of June 2007 and 17 at the end of June this year. The yearly total so far is 18, with a shooting death recorded last weekend.

There were 204 vehicle thefts through the second quarter, up from 191 at this time last year.

The statistics were released today by the Youngstown Police Department.

Rapes dropped from 38 to 26, a 32 percent decrease. Robberies fell from 143 to 104, a 27 percent drop.

Felonious assaults also declined, with 187 recorded at this time last year to 166 through June.

There were 642 burglaries, down from 734. The decrease is 13 percent.

Thefts declined 18 percent — going from 923 to 760.

Arson had a slight decrease, 2 percent. The city recorded 129 intentionally set fires through June 2007 and 126 for the same period this year.