"WASHINGTON - Murders, robberies and other violent crimes reported in the United States jumped 3.7 percent in the first half of the year, continuing a troubling upswing that began in 2005, the FBI said Monday.
The FBI said law enforcement agencies reported that robberies soared by a startling 9.7 percent, followed by an increase in murders of 1.4 percent and aggravated assaults of 1.2 percent.
Last year, the number of violent crimes increased by 2.5 percent, the largest percentage gain in 15 years. The increase came after years of declines."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11497293/And the most likely explanation:
"The officials have rejected any suggestion that an emphasis on preventing terrorism since the Sept. 11 attacks and funding cuts for federal programs to put more police officers on the street were to blame for the increase."
I expect economic problems haven't helped the situation, either. Which is why robberies are up almost 10%.
Thanks, Bush.