HAHNVILLE — Crime reports in St. Charles Parish for the first quarter of 2018 dropped 31.7 percent when compared to the first quarter of 2017, a record low over the past 21 years, according to Sheriff Greg Champagne.

Crime was down in six of the seven categories compiled by the FBI, including reductions in murder, robbery, theft, burglary, assault and auto theft. The only category that reflected an increase was rape — two reported as opposed to zero in the first quarter of 2017.

“I am extremely pleased that over the long haul many of our initiatives have proven successful,” Champagne said. “We even went to the extent of sending out letters to all parish residents urging them to lock their automobiles at night and remove valuables.”

As a result, total thefts fell from 143 to 113 during the quarter.