FBI Report: Violent Crimes Increase in Malden

Violent crime reported in Malden increased in 2012 compared to 2011, according to statistics recently released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to the report, 280 violent crimes were reported in Malden in 2012, up from the 250 reported in 2011 and down from the 282 reported in 2010. 

The FBI's annual Uniform Crime Report includes information provided by law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts. The data is released to the public in the fall of the year that follows the reported year. 

Of the 10 crime categories reported, Malden saw a decrease in five of them—murder and non-negligent manslaughter, robberies, property crimes, burglaries and larcenies or thefts—in 2012 compared to both 2011 and 2010.

Four crime types—arson, motor vehicle thefts, aggravated assaults and forcible rapes—increased in 2012 compared to 2011 and 2010. 

The current violent crimes category was the only one that had mixed data when compared to past reports, as violent crimes (280 reports) were up in Malden in 2012 compared to 2011 (250) but down compared to 2010 when there were 282 violent crimes reported.

Malden was in the top 20 in the Bay State for reported violent crimes, coming in at number 17 on the list. Boston ranked atop the list with 5,266 violent crimes reported, while Worcester, Springfield, Brockton and New Bedford rounded out the top five.