Maine overall crime rate declines for 8th consecutive year

AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) -The Maine Department of Public Safety says the number of crimes reported in the state has decreased for an eighth consecutive year - even though violent crimes grew 3%.

The department said Monday that reported crimes dropped 6.6% overall in 2019.

Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck says the eight-year decline “speaks volumes to the hard work” of law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.