Crime down, police say

The Chico Police Department’s 2011 crime report shows overall crime dropped 8 percent from 2010, and when analyzed based on population, the crime rate was at its lowest since 1999.

According to the report, crimes against people—homicide, rape, robbery and assault—were about the same as last year (276 to 273) while reported crimes against property—burglary, larceny and auto theft—were down more than 200 (2,362 to 2,159).

However, there are some particularly noteworthy, and troubling, stats in specific areas: a record-high number of homicides (five) and a 32 percent jump in auto thefts. To view the whole report, go to www.chico.ca.us/police/home_page.asp and clink on “2011 Part I Crimes Report.”