The Hermiston Police Department is reporting a 30-percent drop in violent crime through the first nine months of the year compared to the same period a year ago, and a 3-percent decrease in overall crime during the first three quarters.
Through September, there have been six robbery reports, compared to seven through the same period in 2012. This year there has been four aggravated assaults and 75 burglaries, compared to 2012 when there were reports of 10 aggravated assaults and 103 burglaries. In 2013, there have been 460 larcenies compared to 443 through September of 2012, and 53 car thefts this year compared to 51 a year ago.
There have been no homicides in Hermiston this year, compared to one a year ago, and four rape cases through September of this year compared to two a year ago. Overall, there have been 14 violent crimes reported in the first three quarters of 2013 compared to 20 a year ago. Overall property crimes are down slightly through September of this year compared to a year ago (589 vs. 601). In total, there have been 603 total crimes reported in 2013 compared to 621 a year ago.
