Report: Crime Down 6 Percent in Bradenton, 15 Percent in Manatee

Crime was down more than 6 percent in the city of Bradenton in 2012 and 15 percent in Manatee County, according to a report released Thursday by the Florida Department of Lawe Enforcement.

The annual uniform crime report covers Part One offenses — murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft — committed within city limits and reported to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 of last year.

Crime was down by 6.3 percent in the city of Bradenton and 15.7 percent in the unincorporated parts of Manatee County during that same time period in the FDLE's report.

Here is a year-by-year comparison of Part One offenses in the city of Bradenton:

• 2004 — Down 7.4 percent
• 2005 — Down 9.9 percent
• 2006 — Down 3.2 percent
• 2007 — Down 1.4 percent
• 2008 — Down 5.1 percent
• 2009 — Down 4.9 percent
• 2010 — Down 9.8 percent
• 2011 — Up 3.3 percent
• 2012 — Down 6.3 percent

There were 2,367 Part One offenses in city of Bradenton in 2012, compared to 3,775 in 2003, according to Lt. William B. Fowler, Bradenton Police spokesperson, citing statistics by the FDLE.

"That means Part One offenses have been reduced by 37.3 percent since 2003," Folwer said in a release. "The City of Bradenton has less crime today than it had ten years ago."

What's your reaction? Do you think Bradenton is safer than it was 10 years ago? Post a comment below to join the conversation.

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