Violent Crime Dropped in 2012 in Waltham

Violent crime in Waltham dropped in 2012 compared to 2011, according to new Federal Bureau of Investigation statistics.

The FBI's annual report includes information submitted by local law enforcement agencies. The information is compiled and released to the public in the fall after the reporting year.

Violent Crime 

Overall, violent crime fell to 146 in 2012 from 174 in 2011. In 2010, that figure was 151. 

·      Murders/nonnegligent manslaughters: Waltham had no murders in 2012, a drop from 2011, which had three. The FBI, however, lists zero murders for 2011. Waltham Police acknowledge the 2011 murder figure is a mistake and that the Waltham triple murder on Harding Avenue was mistakenly not reported. In 2010, Waltham had two murders/non-negligent manslaughters.

·      Forcible rapes: This figure dropped in 2012 to 12 from 15 in 2011. In 2010, the figure was 13.

·      Robbery: Robberies stayed flat at 24 compared to 2011 and 2010.

·      Aggravated assault: This figured dropped to 110 in 2012 from 135 in 2011 and 112 in 2010.

Property Crime

Overall, property crime fell to 849 from 868 in 2011 and 1,032 in 2010.

·      Burglaries: This figure stayed flat 191 compared to 2011, but is lower than the 2010 figure of 200.

·      Larcenies: In 2012, the larceny rate dropped to 610 compared to 639 in 2011 and 759 in 2010.

·      Motor vehicle thefts: In 2012, the number of car thefts jumped to 48 from 38 in 2011, but is still lower than the 73 in 2010.