Denver (AP) - Major crimes reported across Colorado dropped 6.1 percent from 2007 to 2008, with reported auto thefts dropping 22.1 percent.

The year-over-year drop in crime represents the third straight annual decline in crime across the state, according to statistics released this week by the Colorado Bureau of Investigations. Major crimes counted by the report include homicides, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, assault, burglary, larceny, and auto theft.

All categories declined, with the only exception being rape which increased 3.9 percent to 2,026 from 2007 to 2008. The rate has fluctuated slightly each year.
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