Murders Decline in Minnesota in 2018, But Rapes Increase

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ A new report finds that murders decreased in Minnesota last year but rapes increased.

The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension released the 2018 crime report Monday. The report says violent crimes _ including murder, rape, robbery, human trafficking and aggravated assault _ decreased by nearly 7% in 2018.

Murders in Minnesota decreased from 114 in 2017 to 104 in 2018. But rapes were up 9 percent in 2018.

Robberies and aggravated assault both declined in 2018.

Property crimes in Minnesota decreased nearly 9% in 2018. Motor vehicle theft was up for the third consecutive year. But burglary, theft and arson all declined, with arson numbers dropping to 426 in 2018, the lowest number since Minnesota started tracking arson crimes.

The report is based on data reported by local law enforcement agencies.