Crime is down in Broward County. This, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
BSO saw drops in crime throughout 2013. Broward saw a 13 percent drop in violent crimes, and while there were a few more adults arrested, juvenile arrests were down almost 22 percent.
Overall, the total number of reported violent crimes with a firearm in Broward dipped to 13.4 percent in 2013.
Other numbers via the Florida Department of Law Enforcement show offenses of forcible sex decreased slightly, by 2.6 percent, in 2013 -- 373 reported cases compared to 2012's 383 reported cases.
Likewise, robbery offenses dipped 21.2 percent in 2013 as well. Aggravated assault and stalking offenses decreased 9.8 percent.
"The dedication and extreme professionalism of the men and women of the Broward Sheriff's Office allowed us to have such a successful year," Sheriff Scott Israel said in a statement following the release of BSO's Uniform Crime Report for 2012 and 2013.
"We will continue to fight crime smarter by targeting the most violent and habitual offenders."
Overall, Florida's crime rate hit a 43-year low, according to the FDLE report. The Uniform Crime Report shows that overall crime in Florida fell to 4.7 percent in 2013.
"Even while Florida's population grows, the total number of crimes continues to drop, which is a testament to our brave men and women who serve in our communities each and every day," Gov. Rick Scott said in a statement. "Florida is now at a 43-year crime low. Our lower crime rate means that not only are our families and communities safer, but Florida is in a better position to create more opportunities for Floridians. This drop in crime shows everyone that Florida really is the best place to raise a family."
Added Attorney General Pam Bondi: "Making Florida a safe place to live, work, and raise a family is my main goal, and thanks to the hard work of our superior law enforcement officers and prosecutors, we have the lowest crime rate in 43 years. I am grateful to all of the public servants who work tirelessly to make our communities safer. Their work has made a tremendous difference, as evidenced by a crime rate that has dropped for the past three consecutive years."
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