'09 Utah report shows drop in violent crimes

SALT LAKE CITY — New statistics from the Utah Bureau of Criminal Information show violent crimes dropped in 2009, but thefts of goods like gasoline and food rose significantly.

The preliminary report shows that overall, violent crime was down 6 percent during 2009. Property crimes were down 2 percent. Larcenies, however, increased.

In some cities, thefts of consumable items increased significantly.

In West Valley City more than $80,000 worth of consumable goods was stolen in 2009, compared to just over $47,000 in 2008.

West Jordan saw less than $6,500 in consumable goods stolen in 2008, compared to over $21,000 in 2009.

Provo saw the most dramatic jump. Statistics showed nearly $458,000 in goods were stolen in 2009. Just $6,700 in goods was reported stolen in 2008.

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Information from: Deseret News, http://www.deseretnews.com