Annual crime statistics released today by the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office show parish crime is down seven percent from the previous year, said Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator.

Overall in 2016, there were 1,399 reported crimes in unincorporated areas of the parish compared to 1,510 the previous year. Property crimes dropped four percent from 858 to 822, while violent crimes dropped 12 percent from 652 to 577.

Property crimes showed a decrease in burglaries, down five percent from 252 to 239. General theft was down from 488 to 446, and auto theft was down from 60 to 55. Theft from auto was up from 42 to 53, and shoplifting was up from 12 to 26.

There were two homicides reported in 2016, down from three the previous year. Aggravated burglaries dropped from six to four; simple assaults dropped from 285 to 231; and aggravated assaults dropped from 228 to 192. Reports of rape increased from 24 to 25, and robbery reports increased from 11 to 18.

“Our deputies continue to work hard for the citizens of Caddo Parish, and the level of support we receive from the citizens in exchange is amazing,” Prator said. “We’re going to do everything we can to keep bringing these numbers down. In the coming year, we will continue to aggressively enforce the law while working closely with the community, keeping Caddo Parish safer for everyone.”