Violent crimes down this year

CHAMPAIGN – Despite back-to-back shootings this week, Champaign police do not see any drastic increase in violent crime.

The total of violent crimes and attempts – murder, rape, robbery, aggravated battery and aggravated assault – appear to be on a similar track as last year, according to Gary Spear, Champaign crime analyst. Through Nov. 29 this year, there have been 1,563 violent crimes and attempts, he said. That compares to 1,617 violent crimes in 2006.

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