Despite the faltering economy, recent Gainesivlle crime statistics paint a surprisng picture.
The number of homicides, robberies, rapes, aggravated assaults, burglaries and auto thefts in Gainesville decreased between 2007 and 2008, with larceny - theft of personal property - being the only crime that increased, according to a GPD report.
Crimes are divided into two types: violent crime and property crimes.
Violent crime is down from 1,117 in 2007 to 1,044 in 2008, said GPD spokesman Keith Kameg.
Fighting violent crime is the highest priority, he said, because people are being harmed.
"Our ultimate goal is no violent crimes at all," Kameg said. "But the reality is we live in a city where crime is prevalent. It is how we react to these crimes is what we are focusing on."
Burglary and auto theft, both property crimes, are also down. Kameg attributes the drop in crime to new police strategies.
When Police Chief Norman Botsford saw the numbers from 2005, he started the Violent Crime Task Force, which assigned more officers to work "the worst hours in the worst areas," Kameg said.
