Alexandria’s violent crime rate fell 7.3 percent in 2006 and is at its lowest point in 40 years, according to statistics the police department released Thursday.
The total number of recorded crimes, including homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and auto theft fell, continuing a declining trend spanning 10 of the last 12 years.
There were, however, five homicides in 2006, one more than in 2005, and 202 robberies, a 2.5 percent increase over the previous year. The number of rapes remained constant, with 23 in both 2006 and 2005. Aggravated assaults fell by 11.4 percent from a total of 201 in 2005.
“Our success in continuing to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods is a direct result of the quality, hard work and dedication of our sworn, civilian and volunteer staff,” Police Chief David Baker said in a statement. “Despite our successes in previous years, we remain committed to lowering crime even further in 2007.”
Overall property crime also fell in 2006, though burglaries increased. Auto theft dropped 25.9 percent from 513 thefts in 2005 to 380 in 2006. Larcenies fell 6 percent, while burglaries rose 4.9 percent, to 389 in 2006.
The significant drop in auto theft is likely due to proactive efforts in certain hot spots in West End neighborhoods, said Mary Garrand, of the crime analysis unit.
