The New Jersey State Police Uniform Crime Report showed the number of larcenies reported in Watchung Borough to have increased between 2010 and 2011.
According to the report, released last week, 356 larcenies were reported in 2011 over 309 in 2010. Other non-violent crimes, such as burglaries and motor vehicle thefts, saw a slight increase as well.
Violent crimes increased in the borough also, as three aggravated assault cases were included in the report and two robberies (there were also two robberies reported in 2010) were reported.
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Overall, Watchung's Crime Index Total increased from 337 to 394.
The information collected by state police is based on a 2010 estimated population of 5,801 people and a borough area of 6 square miles. Watchung is classified as a "suburban" community by state police.
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Read about Green Brook's crime report here.
The following is a breakdown of Watchung-specific information included in the report:
Violent Crime Nonviolent Crime Murder Rape Robbery Aggravated Assault Burglary Larceny Motor Vehicle Theft Arson 2010 0 1 2 1 21 309 3 0 2011 0 0 2 3 26 356 7 0
*Information from the New Jersey State Police 2011 Uniform Crime Report.
The report also shows a three percent rise in overall crime, mostly in nonviolent crime, throughout the state. Nonviolent crimes are classified as burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft.
Violent crimes, classified as murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, stayed the same statewide, according to New Jersey Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa.
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