Crime Rates Continued to Fall as Firearm Sales Soared in '09

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is reporting that, even as firearms and ammunition experienced record sales in 2009, the nation's crime rates continued to fall, according to new report from the FBI.

"During 2009, violent crime declined for the third straight year, with an estimated 5.3 percent drop from 2008 figures. Homicides were down 7.3 percent. The FBI statistics undermine a favorite argument of anti-gun groups and some mainstream media that 'more guns equal more crime,' especially when you consider that the decrease in violent crime in 2009 occurred at the same time that firearm sales were surging."

Here in the Buckeye State, the Associated Press is reporting that Ohio mirrored the national trend, seeing a drop last year in violent crime reported to police.

From the article:

The bureau said Monday that the state's 5 percent decline in violent crime was accompanied by a 3.9 percent dip in property crime.

In Ohio, all of the violent crime categories were down from 2008, as were most types of property crime. Burglary was an exception.

Murder fell by 5.8 percent in Ohio, robbery by 5.4 percent, aggravated assault by 2.8 percent and rape by 10.9 percent.

Motor vehicle theft was down by 20.3 percent, larceny by 4.2 percent. Burglary rose by 1.6 percent.

The FBI says violent crime nationwide was down for the third year in a row, while 2009 was the seventh consecutive year with a decline in overall property crime.