Violent crime in Atlanta drops in 2008

Despite the recent rash of high-profile crimes, violent crime in Atlanta fell last year. FBI crime statistics released Monday show violent crime decreased 8.3 percent in 2008 compared to 2007

There were 672 fewer violent crimes in 2008 compared to the previous year.

Twenty four fewer people were murdered in 2008 - an 18.6 percent drop from the prior year, according to the FBI.

Overall, crime in the U.S. decreased 2.5 percent. Nationwide property crime fell 1.6 percent - the first time property crime decreased since 2003, the FBI said.

Atlanta, however, did not follow the nation trend. Property crimes in Atlanta rose 7.6 percent. Burglaries and larcenies both saw increases in 2008, the FBI said.

Atlanta Police did not respond to interview requests.

Across the south, violent crime dropped 1.7 percent. Crime fell in every category in the south except burglary.

Across Georgia, Savannah and Columbus also saw decreases in violent crime.

Athens-Clarke County, however, saw a 23 percent spike in violent crime. Although the number of violent crimes in Athens was 535 in 2008, compared to 7,403 in Atlanta, according to the FBI.

Crime in Atlanta

Violent crime

2007: 8,075

2008: 7,403

8.3 percent decrease

Murder

2007: 129

2008: 105

18.6 percent decrease

Rape

2007: 148

2008: 126

14.9 percent decrease

Robbery

2007: 3,577

2008: 3,308

7.5 percent decrease

Aggravated assault

2007: 4,221

2008: 3,864

8.5 percent decrease

Property crime

2007: 36,232

2008: 38,978

7.6 percent increase

Burglary

2007: 8,859

2008: 9,989

12.8 percent increase

Larceny/theft

2007: 20,353

2008: 22,499

10.5 percent increase

Vehicle theft

2007: 7,020

2008: 6,490

7.5 percent decrease

Arson