Across the Nature Coast and the Bay Area, crime rates were significantly lower in 2018 according to a new report from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Pinellas County was the biggest winner in lowering their crime rate with a 15% drop. There were 1,142 fewer burglaries reported in Pinellas County in 2018.
Hillsborough County saw their overall crime rate fall 6.6%. The number of burglaries fell by 1,854 in 2018.
Hernando County had a huge drop in crime with their rate falling 11.4%. Hernando had 18 fewer robberies, 25 fewer assaults, and 92 fewer burglaries.
Crime rates were also lower in Polk County (down 5.5%), Highlands County (down 9.6%), and Pasco County (down 4.7%). Citrus County saw very little change in its crime rate — down just 0.5%.
But, not all Bay Area crime rates were down. Hardee County’s crime rate increased 9.8%. Hardee’s increase was driven by 14 more burglaries, 16 more motor vehicle thefts, and 28 more larceny cases. Plus, they had one murder in 2018 and none in 2017.
Overall, the state had a good report.
