Major crime rate in Texas decreased nearly 3 percent in 2008

The major crime rate in Texas decreased nearly 3 percent in 2008, according to data compiled by the Texas Department of Public Safety's Uniform Crime Reporting Program.

Compared with 2007, the crime rate-the number of crimes per 100,000 population in Texas--decreased 2.9 percent in 2008. The violent crime rate decreased .6 percent in 2008 from 2007. The property crime rate decreased 3.2 percent in 2008.

"The reduction in our overall crime rate is a result of Texas' tough approach to law enforcement. I commend the brave men and women of local law enforcement who continue to work every day to keep our state and its citizens safe," said Col. Lamar Beckworth, interim director of the DPS.

The total number of major crimes committed was down 1.2 percent in 2008 compared with 2007. Of the seven index crimes, murder was down 3 percent; rape was down 5.1 percent. The total number of arrests in Texas increased 1.6 percent in 2008. The number of juvenile arrests decreased 1.2 percent, while adult arrests increased 2.0 percent.

The Texas Uniform Crime Reporting Program also collects statistics on hate crimes and family violence incidents. In 2008, Texas law enforcement agencies reported 246 incidents of hate crimes involving 276 victims and 233 offenders.

Law enforcement agencies reported 193,505 family violence incidents involving 208,073 victims and 203,682 offenders in 2008.