GRAND RAPIDS -- Police today reported an 11-percent drop in serious crime, with significant decreases in homicides, burglary, auto theft and vandalism.

"I'm really impressed -- I'm stunned -- by the work you guys have done," 2nd Ward Commissioner David LaGrand told police Chief Kevin Belk and commanders during the commission's Public Safety Committee meeting.

Belk said he believed partnerships between police and community groups, including after-school and faith-based programs, neighborhood groups, crime analysis and strong police work contributed to the decline during 2008.

CRIME STATS

Here are selected crimes reported in Grand Rapids in 2007 and 2008

Murder: 22 (2007), 16 (2008)

Rape: 79, 97

Robbery: 778, 760

Aggravated assault: 1,186, 1,101

Burglary: 2,656, 2,258

Larceny: 7,229, 6,462

Vandalism: 2,358, 1,565

Weapons: 116, 142

Fraud: 655, 613

Forgery/counterfeit: 123, 286

Embezzlement: 7, 78

He still had concerns about crimes such as robbery, which hit a decade high of 778 in 2007, and declined only 2 percent last year.

But overall, he considered the report to be extremely good news for the city and its residents.

Weapons offenses increased 22 percent, but Lt. Patrick Merrill, who compiled the report, said it is a positive sign because the statistics show police were able to get those weapons off the streets.

Rapes, which are narrowly defined under federal guidelines, increased by 23 percent, but other sex offenses dropped by 11 percent. Police believe that organizations that work with young victims of sexual assault provided information to children that probably resulted in increased reporting of such crimes.

About a third of the instances of sexual assault involved children 12 and under, often victimized in their homes.

Police increasingly have relied on crime analysis to develop crime trends, and assign officers to known "hot spots." Police also have worked to improve information sharing throughout the department, and get information to officers on the street as soon as possible. Patrol officers, interviewing an increased number of burglary suspects in the field, probably led to a 15-percent decline in burglaries, authorities said.

First Ward Commissioner James Jendrasiak said he was concerned about the amount of gang graffiti that has turned up recently.

"It's getting disgusting," he said.

Belk said it is a problem, but appears worse this time of year because those who work to cover it are limited during the winter months. Incidents of vandalism, which includes graffiti, dropped 34 percent last year.

"I do agree it is a significant problem we have yet to get our hands around," Belk said.

Belk said he remains concerned about those ages 16 to 24, who are involved in a disproportion amount of crime.

E-mail John Agar: jagar@grpress.com