Parish crime statistics have been released for 2009, and the numbers show both violent and property crimes are down, said Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator.

Violent crimes dropped seven percent (964 to 896) when compared to the previous year, and property crimes dropped six percent (978 to 923). Overall, there were 1,819 reported crimes in 2009 compared to 1,942 in 2008.

Prator said he's pleased with the decrease in crime but can never be completely satisfied until crime is eradicated. "We have a lot of dedicated men and women at the Caddo Sheriff's Office who work hard each day to provide a good quality of life for the citizens of our parish. I'm proud of their efforts and the relationship they have with the people of Caddo Parish." 

Statistics show the biggest drop in crime was seen in the number of reported thefts the parish. That number dropped from 572 to 525. Auto theft dropped from 66 to 54; theft from auto dropped from 75 to 70; aggravated assault dropped from 289 to 262; simple assault dropped from 637 to 590; and aggravated burglary dropped from 14 to 8.

In the homicide category, five offenses were reported compared to none last year; however, the 2009 figure includes two justifiable homicides, including a deputy-involved shooting. The number also includes a motor vehicle crash on Hwy. 71 and negligent homicide on Buffalo Road.

Slight increases were reported in the number of burglaries reported, 243 to 252, as well as the number of robberies, 11 to 13, and the number of rapes, 13 to 18. Prator said that over the next two years a new federal grant awarded to the Sheriff's Office will address the coordinated response of various agencies to sexual assaults in the community.