PORTLAND (AP) – Maine is being given high marks in an annual analysis of crime statistics.

In a report released Monday, CQ Press out of Washington, D.C. announced its 15th annual rankings for safest and most-dangerous states.

New Hampshire was rated the safest state, followed by Maine, North Dakota and Vermont. Nevada was the listed as the most dangerous state for the fifth straight year, behind Louisiana, New Mexico and South Carolina.

CQ Press bases its rankings using rates in six crime categories.

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On the Net:

CQ Press: www.cqpress.com

AP-ES-03-17-08 1138EDT