Maine Sees Biggest Drop in Crime in 20 Years

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ The Maine Department of Public Safety says crime dropped 9.1 percent last year - the biggest drop in 20 years in Maine.
 
    Public Safety Commissioner John Morris, who was joined by Gov. Paul LePage at a news conference, told reporters Tuesday that every crime category except aggravated assaults dropped in 2013.  
 
    Aggravated assaults increased more than 17 percent.
 
    Overall, the statistics showed that crime in Maine's rural areas dropped more - nearly 12 percent - compared to cities with a drop of nearly 7 percent. The rate for violent crime continued to be 1 offense per 1,000 residents.
 
    It was the biggest drop in crime since 9.4 percent in 1993. Morris said it remains to be seen if the trend continues, noting an increase in drug activity this year.