Reported Violent Crimes Increase in Norton

More violent crimes were reported in Norton in 2011 than were reported in 2010, according to statistics released this week by the FBI. The number reported last year was seven, while three were reported in 2010. 

The FBI's annual Uniform Crime Report includes information submitted by local law enforcement agencies. The information is compiled and released to the public in the fall of the year that follows the reported year. 

Violent crimes include murder and non-negligent manslaughter (willful, non-negligent killing of one human being by another, according to the FBI's website), forcible rape (including attempts and "assaults to commit rape"), robbery and aggravated assault. The Uniform Crime Report also features property crimes, which include burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft and arson.

There were no reported murders in both 2010 and 2011. 

Also reported for Norton in 2011 was one rape (up from 0 in 2010), zero robberies (down from one 2010), six aggravated assaults (up from two in 2010), 126 property crimes (up from 98 from 2010), 55 burglaries (up from 35 in 2010), 64 larceny-thefts (up from 59 in 2010) and seven motor vehicle thefts (up from four in 2010). 

A list of the reported crimes in each Massachusetts city and town in 2011 can be found here. The 2010 statistics can be found here. The FBI advises against comparing cities and towns to create rankings. The reasoning is explained here.

Nationwide, the number of reported violent crimes is down for the fifth-straight year. The number of reported property crimes is down for the ninth year in a row. Go here for more information on the nationwide statistics.