FBI Report: Violent Crimes Down in Melrose

Violent crime reported in Melrose decreased in 2012 compared to 2011, according to statistics recently released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to the report, 38 violent crimes were reported in Melrose in 2012, down from the 46 reported in 2011 and up from the 35 reported in 2010.

The FBI's annual Uniform Crime Report includes information provided by law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts. The data is released to the public in the fall of the year that follows the reported year.

Of the 10 crime categories reported, Melrose saw a decrease in two of them—forcible rapes and robberies—in 2012 compared to both 2011 and 2010.

Three crime types—arson, aggravated assaults and property crimes—increased in Melrose in 2012 compared to 2011 and 2010.

Results were mixed for four crime categories in Melrose, including violent crimes, burglaries, larcenies or thefts and motor vehicle thefts. The one category that remained unchanged in Melrose was murders and non-negligent manslaughters, as there weren't any reported between 2010-2012.

Melrose ranks in the lower tier of communities in the Bay State when it comes to violent crimes reported. Boston ranked atop the list with 5,266 violent crimes reported, while Worcester, Springfield, Brockton and New Bedford rounded out the top five.

According to the statistics, no murders were reported in Melrose in 2012, while there was one forcible rape, six robberies, 31 aggravated assaults, 82 burglaries, 313 property crimes, 15 motor vehicle thefts and 216 larcenies or thefts.