CRIME IN SOUTH DAKOTA 2002

(Pierre) – Attorney General Larry Long released today the Crime in South Dakota 2002 report, indicating that the total crime index for South Dakota has decreased since last year.

“The Criminal Statistical Analysis Center and the participating law enforcement agencies have again provided us with important crime reporting information,” said Long. “With continuing participation we have a more accurate picture of crime in South Dakota, which is important to the public and law enforcement alike.”

Index offenses, including murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft and arson totaled 15,710 in 2002, as reported by 98 law enforcement agencies. That number is down from the 16,235 index offenses that were reported in 2001, resulting in a decrease in the crime index. South Dakota numbers show a decrease in Property Crimes, but an increase in Violent Crimes. The non-violent crimes of burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft and arson account for 92.32% of all crime in South Dakota, while violent crimes account for 7.68% of the total crime index.

You can obtain a copy of this year’s Crime in South Dakota report from our website at http://www.sddci.com/administration/sac/crimeinsd.htm.

-30-