more news about increasing local crime

[i've said similiar things regarding increases in local crime before.] now, official stats have been released.

The number of homicides surged locally last year, according to newly released crime statistics. The numbers rose in every city except Chesapeake.

Last year, there was a homicide roughly every three days, on average, somewhere in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk or Virginia Beach.

Overall, the number of homicides jumped about 58 percent: from 82 in 2004 to 130 last year. By number, the biggest increases were in Norfolk and Portsmouth.

spcifically, there were 61 homicides in norfolk in 2005, up 74% from 2004 when there were 35. but it isn't just homicides, aggravated assault are up in all five cities, a 49% increase in norfolk. robberies have also increased across the board. these increases have [unofficially] been attributed to a rise in drugs and youth gangs.

the good news: auto thefts are down. i guess criminals are less petty now, just more violent.