Sheriff's Office reports drop in crime

Crime in Sarasota County has fallen 10% in the first half of 2013 compared to the previous year, according to a report from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

The amount of violent crimes decreased 10% and the number of nonviolent offenses fell 13% across the same period, which the Sheriff's Office attributes to proactive policing and community partnerships, according to a news release.

“The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is committed to maintaining the quality of life our citizens expect and ensuring Sarasota County remains a premier place to live, work and visit,” said Sheriff Tom Knight in the release.

In the same six-month timeframe:

+ Murder has decreased 75%
+ Burglary has decreased 21%
+ Grand theft has decreased 11%
+ Robbery has decreased 28%
+ Auto theft has decreased 14%