Burglaries Rise Over 50 Percent in 2011 in Montville

The New Jersey State Police Uniform Crime Report showed burglaries to have increased by more than 50 percent in Montville in 2011 while the number of robberies was slightly down.

Overall crime increased in most areas between 2010 and 2011, according to the data. The violent crime rate increased by .1 percent while the total crime rate percentage increased by over 2 percent. The non-violent crime rate also increased by nearly 3 percent.

Of the major violent crimes, no murders were reported, one rape was reported and aggravated assault cases increased to six from four. The number of burglaries increased from 28 to 43 and the number of larcenies increased from 96 to 121.

Motor vehicle thefts also increased while arson cases, for which there was only one in 2010, decreased.

The information collected by state police is based on a 2010 estimated population of 21,528 people and a township area of 18.97 square miles. Montville is classified as a "suburban" community by state police.

The following is a breakdown of Montville-specific information included in the report:

*Information from the New Jersey State Police 2011 Uniform Crime Report.

The report also shows a three percent rise in overall crime, mostly in nonviolent crime, throughout the state. Nonviolent crimes are classified as burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft.

Violent crimes, which are classified as murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, stayed the same statewide, according to New Jersey Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa.