Crime dropped significantly in New Orleans during the last quarter of 2012 compared to 2011. This downward trend has continued into the new year, according to the New Orleans Police Department.

In a press release written by the NOPD on Feb. 1, not only did crime rates drop during the last quarter of 2012, but overall crime numbers were also down last year.

“When our overall crime numbers are down, as well as our most violent crimes – murders, rapes and armed robberies – we know we’re on the right path, and that it’s safer for our residents in their neighborhoods as well on the streets of New Orleans,” Police Chief Ronal Serpas said in the press release.

The Uniform Crime Report released by the NOPD shows an eight percent decrease in crime at the ending of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.

Statistics show a more than 18 percent drop in the numbers of rapes as well as a 32 percent drop in armed robberies.

The murder rate, which also dropped 18 percent, has continued to decrease into 2013. Evidence of the 56 percent decrease this year is clear when examining the 11 murders that occurred this January compared to the 25 in January 2012.

Serpas said he credits much of these decreases to the many different strategic developments brought on by the police department, such as Nola for Life, a campaign designed to inspire the youth of New Orleans by limiting the amount of violence publicized throughout the city’s media.

“With the implementation of our Nola for Life strategy, we’re confident that we will see an even greater reduction in violent crimes in the years ahead,” Serpas said. “And our use of smarter technology will continue to drive overall crime down.”

While murders and armed robberies are occurring less frequently, the NOPD reported that there was an increase in certain crimes. The only categories that saw an increase were assaults, which were up by 16 percent, and theft, which increased by four percent last year.

“I want to thank the officers of this department for their hard work and dedication to the city. I also want to thank the people of New Orleans for believing in our police force and coming to us more than ever before, to help us with critical information about crimes,” Serpas said. “We’re forging a stronger bond with you every day – and together – we’re winning.”

Nia Porter can be reached at [email protected]