By VICKIE JAMBON Staff Reporter

HAHNVILLE – Crime incident statistics for the second quarter of 2004, as reported by St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg C. Champagne, demonstrated an almost identical pattern from the previous year.

“This supports the effectiveness of enforcement and prevention initiatives we implemented are having a positive impact,” Champagne said.

The Uniform Crime Reports regarding seven crime categories is used by the FBI to compile national crime statistics.

Capt. Patrick Yoes pointed out that the first quarter of 2003 rose by only 14 incidents, from 555 to 569 incidents this year (January through March), while the second quarter of 2003 (April through June) rose by only one, from 651 to 650 incidents.

Under the category of murder, for example, one in the first quarter of 2004 dropped to none in the second quarter (April through June).

In 2003, one murder was reported in the first quarter and one in the second quarter.

Under the category of rape, two incidents were reported in the first quarter of 2004 and one in the second quarter.

This was matched with one incident in the first quarter and eight incidents in the second quarter of the previous year.

Under the category of assault, 180 incidents were reported in the first quarter of 2004, but 205 in the second quarter.

This met with 209 incidents in the first quarter of 2003 and 253 in the second quarter.

Under the category of robbery, there were nine incidents reported in the first quarter of this year, and 11 in the second quarter, a slight increase.

This was met with eight incidents in the first quarter of 2003 and 14 in the second quarter, reflecting a similar pattern.

Under the category of burglary, Champagne reported there were 82 incident in the first quarter of 2004 and 97 in the second quarter.

This matched with 80 incidents in the first quarter of 2003 and 105 in the second quarter of the same year.

In the category of theft, 258 incidents were reported in the first quarter of 2004, and 291 incidents were reported in the second quarter.

During the previous year, there were 235 incidents in the first quarter and 281 in the second quarter.

Finally, in the category of auto theft, Champagne reported the total incidents of auto theft at 37 for the first quarter of this year, and 45 incidents in the second quarter of 2004.

This was met with 21 incidents in the first quarter of 2003 and 29 in the second quarter.