Authorities downplay crime stats

Overall crime rates are down in both New York state and Cayuga County for the first half of this year. However, violent crime is up countywide.

A report released Tuesday by the state's Division of Criminal Justice Services shows that, while 50 fewer crimes were reported in the county by June this year than the same time in 2006. there has been a 73 percent increase in violent crime.

While local law enforcement is keeping an eye on the matter, the high percentage may not be of as much concern as it seems. With an already-low violent crime rate in Cayuga County, a small increase in numbers can mean a large increase in percentage, according to officials.