Denver Murders In 2010 Hit 10-Year Low

DENVER (AP) -- Murders committed in Denver hit a 10-year low with 33 last year as overall crime in Colorado's capitol continues its steady decline over the past decade.

Aggravated assaults and sex offenses, auto thefts, burglaries, robberies and drug offenses were down as overall crime decreased 5 percent when compared with 2009. Murders in Denver dropped from about 50 per year in 2007 and 2008, to 39 last year to this year's low.

Police spokesman Matt Murray said more study would be needed to pinpoint exact causes for Denver's drop in crime. Both Murray and Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey credit Denver's use of DNA in solving property crimes for helping reduce the crime rate.

Federal statistics also show a drop in crime nationwide.

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