Los Angeles crime rate down 2 percent in 2012

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles keeps getting safer. Overall crime in the city fell for a 10th straight year in 2012.

According to a just-released report by the Los Angeles Times based on LAPD numbers, crime fell about 2 percent. The paper says this was fueled by drops in many serious offenses including robbery and assault.

However, there was a small increase in homicides. The 297 killings through Thursday were three more than the same period in 2011. The report also stated that there was a slight increase in petty thefts, but gang-related crimes were down about 10 percent.

Police Chief Charlie Beck believes the rise in petty thefts is due partly to the state prison realignment plan that shortened the time many low-level offenders are behind bars.

Los Angeles is one of a few major cities to see its overall crime numbers continue to drop.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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