Prince William County Crime Rate Down, But Violent Crime Up

Prince William County's overall crime rate fell in 2012, but reports of violent crimes went up, according to statistics released by the Prince William County Police Department Tuesday. 

The crime rate for 2012 is 17.04 crimes per 1,000 resident. While that number represents a rise in the actual number of crimes committed, population growth means that the number is a 2 percent drop in the county's crime rate. 

"Overall, the crime picture in Prince William County continues to move in a positive direction," said Chief of Police Stephan Hudson. "There are certainly some concerning areas as we've pointed out."

The number of violent crimes does remain a concern for the department, though police attribute the 8.96 percent rise in violent crime reports in part to victims reporting a large number of older rape cases. Twenty-seven of the department's 67 rape cases were reports from years before 2012. Violent crime is a small portion of the total crime rate.

"Any increase in violent crime is something that concerns me," Hudson said.

Hudson attributed the fact that overall crime rates are falling to residents being "more invested and engaged."

Prince William County crime by the numbers:

Check back later this week for more on crime rates in Prince William County.