By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – New federal crime statistics show overall crime increased in Montgomery and Anniston between 2001 and 2002. The three counties around Montgomery -- Autauga, Elmore and Montgomery counties -- had the state's highest overall crime rate last year. Nearly 23 thousand serious crimes were reported. That's a ten percent increase from the year before. The Birmingham area ranked second highest for its overall rate. The Gadsden metropolitan area posted the state's highest rate of violent crime. The Mobile area had 11 homicides per 100-thousand people last year. That also ranked highest in the state. But overall, Mobile reported the greatest drop in crime rate, with a decrease of 13 percent. Ten Alabama metro areas were included in the report.