Sarasota crime drops more than 16% in 2012

Sarasota County crime dropped more than 16% in 2012 compared to 2011, according to a crime report released by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

Major decreases included:
Offense | 2012| 2011 | Percent change
• Forcible Rape | 27 | 40 | -32.5%
• Burglary | 1,622 | 2,205 | -26.4%
• Arson | 4 | 7|  -42.9%
• Fraud | 484 | 669 | -27.7%

Crime reduced in 2012 in 10 categories, including: Forcible Rape, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Larceny, Motor Vehicle Theft, Kidnapping, Arson, Simple Assault and Fraud.

Crime increased in only three categories, including: Murder & Non-Negligible Manslaughter, Forcible Sodomy and Forcible Fondling.

According to the report, traffic safety remains a top priority for the sheriff's office. In 2012, 38,699 traffic citations were issued, and 804 DUI arrests were made.

Click here to view the report.