Stats show drop in crime rate in unincorporated Porter County

VALPARAISO | Crime throughout the unincorporated areas of Porter County was down slightly in 2012 compared to 2011.

Statistics released Friday by the Porter County Sheriff's Department show decreases is most types of crimes.

Also released were the number of 911 calls handled by Porter County dispatches, the number of animals picked up and the number of traffic accidents.

There were two homicides, three rapes and two robberies in 2012. Those numbers were close to the numbers from 2011.

The county saw a 4 percent increase in burglaries, but an 8 percent decrease in thefts between 2011 and 2012.

The number of 911 calls increased by 65 percent from just over 2,800 in 2011 to more that 4,600 in 2012.

There were just five fatal accidents in 2012, the lowest number in at least five years. Sgt. Larry LaFlower said he attributed that to increased traffic patrols and nearly 19,000 traffic stops.

Injury, property damage and hit-and-run accidents were all lower in 2012 than the previous year.

The number of animals picked up and seized by the Porter County Animal Control doubled from 2011 to 2012. The department saw large increases in the number of dogs and cats picked up. Officers also seized 49 guinea pigs, 77 rabbits and one alligator.