Annual report shows Va. homicides, hate crimes increased in 2019

The side of a Virginia State Police cruiser is seen. (Courtesy Virginia State Police via Twitter)

Homicides and reported hate crimes increased in Virginia last year.

That’s according to a comprehensive annual report released by the Virginia State Police that details crime in counties, cities and towns all around the Commonwealth.

Homicides were up 9.5% in Virginia last year, even though violent crime overall increased only slightly at 2.4%.

Reports of hate crimes increased by about 16%. Most involved assaults or property damage.

Instances of fraud increased about 4%, and people age 65 and older made up one fifth of the individuals who were victimized.

Overall arrests fell just a little bit, but checking only juvenile arrests, they were down 9.5%.

Drug and narcotic arrests dropped 6%, and more than half of all drug arrests involved marijuana.

Also falling last year: burglaries, and car thefts and attempted thefts.

Michelle Basch

Michelle Basch is a reporter turned morning anchor at WTOP News.

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