Crime rates in the United States are on the rise according
to the 2012 National Crime Victimization Survey released yesterday. The report
prepared by the U.S. Bureau of Justice reveals alarming nationwide trends, most
notably a 15% increase in violent crimes and a 12% increase in property crimes.
The annual report is based on a survey of nearly 163,000
people who were asked whether they were a victim of crime in the past year and,
if so, what type of crime. Property crimes include acts such as burglary, theft
and car theft. Violent crimes include offenses such as rape, robbery and
assault. Given the format of information gathering, homicides are not factored
into the results.
The 2012 report represents the second straight year of
increases in these crimes. Going back to 1993, the U.S. enjoyed nearly two
decades of declining crime rate. Criminologist James Alan Fox of Northeastern
University in Boston says not to expect decreases in the crime rate again anytime
soon. The best we can hope for, Fox says, is, “making sure crime rates don’t go
back up.”
Florida is especially impacted by crime, with 14 cities
making Neighborhood Scout’s list of the Top100 Most Dangerous Cities in America. Orlando comes in #67 on that list
with a crime index of 2 out of 100 with 100 being the safest.
As a precaution against crime, home owners and business
owners should consider installing monitored security systems like those available from Crime Prevention Security Systems. Alarm
systems and video surveillance systems deter criminals to help protect your
family, property and assets.
For more information on the 2012 National Crime
Victimization Survey, clickhere.
