Reported crimes down by about 10 percent in Alleghany in 2001

Reported crime was down by about 10 percent in the county during 2001 as compared to the year prior, but the Alleghany County Sheriff's Department plans on continuing to improve its efforts against crime.

Specifically, 270 crimes were reported in 2001, down from 282 the year prior.

"Overall the crime rate is down and we're real pleased with that," Sheriff Mike Caudill said in an interview Tuesday. "But there are still some areas that we'd like to continue to improve on."

Taking a major plunge was the number of breaking and entering cases of all kinds, which were down across the board. In addition, the sheriff's department also had a higher rate of cases solved in 2001, according to statistics compiled by Det. Ricky J. Lyall.

In 2000, 75 breaking and entering cases were reported, in 2001, only 61 were reported. The department solved 42 of its 61 cases in 2001, which equates to about 69 percent solved. In 2000, only about 66 percent of the cases were solved.

"We continue to emphasize protection of private property and business in the county," Caudill said. "We plan to keep up our patrols throughout the county with special attention given to areas that have had high rates of property crime in the past."

In breaking down the incidents, breaking and entering of residences, businesses and motor vehicles were down from 65 in 2000 (47 cases cleared), to 59 in 2001 (41 cases cleared). Specifically, 26 homes were broken into in 2000, versus 42 in 2001. Eight businesses were victimized, versus seven in 2001. Meanwhile, 11 vehicles were broken into in 2000, versus 10 in 2001. Caudill said the higher solve rate for the breaking and entering/larceny cases speaks well of his deputies.

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