Maine Crime Rate Jumps by 5 Percent in 2011

Public safety officials say Maine’s crime rate rose by more than 5 percent last year, the largest increase since 1975.

Public Safety Commissioner John Morris said Tuesday that every crime category experienced an increase in 2011 except for robberies, which showed a slight decline. Although Maine remains one of the safest states, Morris said the numbers are troubling.

Morris said drug addiction is the No. 1 reason for the spike, with addicts taking to crime to support their habits.

For the year, burglaries increased by 10 percent, aggravated assaults by 16 percent, arson by 6 percent, motor vehicle thefts by 5 percent and sexual assaults by 6 percent.

There were 28 homicides during the year, up from 24 in 2010.