A 2010 report on crime in California shows decreases in violent and property crimes across the state, but the news was less optimistic for Stanislaus County.

The Crime in California report is compiled by the California Department of Justice and is based on data reported by police and sheriff's departments in all of California's 58 counties.

The report shows there was a decrease in violent crime across the state for the fourth year in a row. In total, the violent crime rate decreased 6.9 percent, reaching its lowest level since 1968, and homicide and forcible rape rates are the lowest since 1966.

Crime rates have dropped from last year in several category measures, including homicide, down 7.8 percent; robbery, down 10 percent; and motor vehicle theft down 7.6 percent. Since peaking in 1989, the motor vehicle theft rate has decreased 62 percent.

The total arrest rate is 6 percent lower than last year; both adult and juvenile total arrest rates declined from last year, according to the report.

The property crime rate decreased 2.7 percent from 2009 to 2010. The 2010 burglary rate of 589.0 per 100,000 population is less than one-half the 1966 rate of 1,225.9.

Violent crime in Stanislaus County dropped 2.6 percent from 2009 to 2010. However, there were more forcible rapes and robberies in 2010 than the previous year. Aggravated assaults fell by 6.5 percent.

The same trend was seen in property crimes, which had an overall decrease of 1.6 percent. However, larcenies over $400 and motor vehicle thefts were both up from the year before. Burglaries were down by 6.8 percent.

To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.