AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - 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.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)