Crime dip in S.W. Va. defies foul economy
February 23, 2010 | Virginia News
Some warn against reading too much into a single year's fluctuations.
Law enforcement agencies in Roanoke and the surrounding region report that major crime dipped in 2009. Roanoke's drop was especially steep, with four fewer murders, 55 fewer aggravated assaults, 23 fewer rapes, 19 fewer robberies and 67 fewer burglaries than in 2008, according to figures the police department assembled for FBI reports that will be made public next month. Major crime in Roanoke dropped in every category except arson, which rose by six reported incidents.
"That has been a pleasant surprise," said Roanoke Commonwealth's Attorney Donald Caldwell, who credited federal money that blunted unemployment and spending cuts. "A lot of programs that help the disadvantaged survived another year."
Caldwell predicted "an increase in larceny-type crimes" once stimulus funds dry up and social services agency budget cuts take effect in July.
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