AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine Department of Public Safety says crime in the state increased by 3.6 percent last year, as drug abuse pushed up the incidence of robberies and thefts.
However, Wednesday’s newly released statistics show a decrease in domestic violence for the third consecutive year.
Public Safety Commissioner John Morris said the rates of most crimes went up in 2010, including robbery, burglary, theft, aggravated assault, rape and arson. The statewide crimes that saw decreases were domestic violence, auto theft and assault.
Morris said that overall, Maine continues to be one of the safest states in the county, and the increases in robbery, burglary and theft are all a result of drug abuse, which leads to burglaries and robberies.
There were 24 homicides in 2010, down from 26 in 2009.
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