Police report drop in crime rates

Crime rates are down 5% compared to previous year; 2012 sees fewer murder cases, road fatalities, police chief says

Yaron Doron|Published: 09.03.12 , 18:28

Some 137 violent crimes, two attempted murders, 58 auto thefts and 66 road casualties take place in Israel every day, according to Police Commissioner Yohanan Danino, who presented the crime rates for 2012 in a cabinet meeting Sunday.

According to Danino, when compared to 2011, crime rates have dropped by 5%, including a significant decline in crime within the Arab sector.

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Most encouraging are the rates of car accidents, which registered the most significant drop – so far, 2012 saw 14% fewer accidents than the same period in 2011. Moreover, there were 28% fewer deadly accidents and 16% fewer casualties. The number of car crashes and the resulting casualties is the lowest in a decade, a drop resulting, according to the police, from a change in enforcement policies.

The rates of murder and attempted murder dropped by 20% and 17% respectively; motor vehicle thefts dropped by 4%; and violent crime dropped by 1%.

Danino also presented data of crime within Arab communities, which indicated a 22% drop in murder cases, 24% drop in shootings and significantly fewer road fatalities.

"This is a blessed change," said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the cabinet meeting. "I thank the police who are doing excellent work." Netanyahu noted that police budgets should not be cut.

Police Chief Danino added that "the Israel police force's fight against crime and its maintenance of public peace ensures the future of the State of Israel."

Itamar Eichner contributed to the report