Virginia State Police say homicide and other violent crimes in the state are declining. But drug offenses are increasing.
The annual Crime in Virginia report released Monday says the homicide rate fell from 4.61 per 100,000 population in 2010 to 3.77 in 2011.
According to the report, 28 percent of homicide victims in 2011 were 20 to 29 years old. Males accounted for 79 percent of the victims in this age group.
Robberies fell 4 percent. Ninety-four percent of the offenders were male and 69 percent of the victims were male.
Burglary, motor vehicle theft and other property crimes declined 2.2 percent.
Drug offenses increased 7.1 percent in 2011, following a 5.3 percent increase in 2010.
The report is based on data compiled from localities across the state.
