By VICKIE JAMBON, Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – Rape, murder, assault and burglary in St. John the Baptist Parish rose significantly this year in comparison to the first half of last year.

Crime statistics, comparing the first six months of 2004 to the first six months of 2003, were released Thursday by the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s office. The figures showed a 9 percent overall increase in crime.

In the first six months of 2003, not one case of forcible rape or criminal homicide took place in the parish.

This year, there have been four rapes and three murders.

From January to June of 2003, there were 152 assaults and 92 burglaries in the parish.

There have been 203 assaults and 109 burglaries in the parish from January to June of this year. These incidents have caused a 34 percent increase in assaults and an 18 percent increase in burglary.

Robberies have increased from 14 to 16, producing a 14 percent hike in stealing.

Motor vehicle thefts rose from 51 to 55, creating an eight percent hike in the crime.

There was good news in the report, however. Larceny theft declined 3 percent. The number of cases declined from 414 to 401.

The Sheriff’s office said it has already begun to take steps to build itself up.

Capt. Michael Tregre said, “There is an increase (in crime statistics). The Sheriff is trying to strengthen the department with manpower and training to address ever-rising growth of people in St. John Parish. With growth, come good and bad things.”

Tregre said the sheriff’s office increased police officers in several divisions last month.

“We added enforcement to the traffic, detective, narcotics and patrol divisions,” said Tregre.

According to Tregre, it is not unusual to see spikes in crime. He said statistics often go up and down. “We are working to bring this spike down,” said Tregre.