Bossier Parish Releases 2012 Crime Statistics

We've heard about Bossier City's and Shreveport's 2012 crime rates. Now we have Bossier Parish's results.

Sheriff Julian Whittington says his office saw a decrease in violent crimes, but an increase in property crimes. Deputies worked no homicides, two rapes and two robberies, along with close to 350 assault and battery crimes.

Major violent crimes against people fell by just over 5.5 percent from 2011. Major property crimes, however, rose 20.5 percent, mainly due to an increase in theft.

Whittington suggests residents remain diligent about keeping their homes, businesses and vehicles locked -- to make them harder targets for criminals.