Broward's Murder Rates Rise As Overall Crime Statewide Drops
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Despite a drop statewide in murder and a number of other crimes in the first half of this, Broward County actually saw an increase in its murder rate.
In a report released Thursday by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement found that the state's overall crime volume was down nearly four percent compared to the first six months of 2011.
"I am committed to making Florida the safest place in the world to pursue a career and raise a family," said Gov. Rick Scott in a statement. "That's why I am proud that Florida's crime rate dropped 3.8 percent for the first half of 2012. That means Florida communities are getting safer."
According to the report, the biggest decline (8 percent) came in robberies. Violent crimes like murder, sex offenses and aggravated assault were down by 5.3 percent. Non-violent crime like burglary and auto theft was down 3.6 percent.
Domestic violence offenses also showed a 5.4 percent drop.
While Broward County saw a drop of nearly two and half percent in overall crime, it registered an 85 percent increase in murder. In the first half of 2012, there were 39 homicides compared to 21 murders in the first six months of 2011.
Other violent crimes like rape and robbery were down but aggravated assault saw an increase. Burglary and larceny were also down.
Miami-Dade County registered almost a 4 percent drop in overall crime.
Violent crimes such as murder, rape and aggravated assault all saw declines as did the numbers for robbery, burglary and larceny.
