Statewide, the overall rate of violent crime declined by one percent in 2013, while the rate of non-violent crime decreased by eight percent compared with the previous year.

The crime of rape decreased by 16 percent in 2013 -- from 1,038 to 874 -- and aggravated assault decreased by seven percent, from 12,933 to 12,090. Other crime index offenses that decreased in 2013 included motor vehicle theft -- down by 17 percent from 16,471 to 13,709 – and burglary, which decreased by 16 percent from 42,384 to 35,795.

“The latest crime data includes some encouraging indicators, but it also suggests there is room for improvement, and still much work to be done,” said Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman. “We continue to expand on and strengthen our efforts to reduce violent crime -- particularly in the state’s urban centers. We continue to combat gun crimes, prescription drug abuse and illegal drug trafficking. And we continue to target violent street gang activity. We are always striving to make New Jersey citizens safer and, notwithstanding any favorable statistical trends, there is no room for complacency.”

The annual Uniform Crime Report, prepared by the State Police Uniform Crime Reporting Unit, measures offenses committed during the 12-month period spanning from January 1 through December 31. The report contains data on the rate of reported Index Crimes – offenses which fall into seven major crime categories. The UCR also contains separate statistical reports on bias crime, carjacking and domestic violence.

Preliminary crime data for 2014 shows a 7.7 percent decrease in overall crime and a 9.6 percent drop in violent crime compared to 2013. Urban areas employing the State’s crime and anti-violence initiatives are also seeing a reduction in acts of violent crime. In Trenton, for example, the number of shooting incidents declined by 13 percent in 2014 as compared to 2013, and 17 percent as compared to 2012. In Newark, the city’s overall number of murders declined by 18 percent in 2014 compared to 2013.

The 2013 Uniform Crime Report can be viewed and downloaded at www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases15/2013_Uniform-Crime-Report.pdf.

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