By LEONARD GRAY-Staff Reporter

HAHNVILLE – A “minuscule” increase in crime in the first quarter of 2003 does not greatly concern St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg C. Champagne, who still sees it as the second-lowest crime rate in more than six years.

Champagne reported that the crime rate during the first quarter was up 3 percent from the same time last year, from 538 incidents to 555 incidents.

In addition, from the fourth quarter of 2002 to the first quarter in 2003, total crime incidents crept from 557 to 555 incidents.

“It’s almost the same, and we’re looking good,” Champagne said, and added, “Last year, we had an exceptional year.”

Murder went from two incidents last year to one this year, during the first quarter. There were only three throughout 2002, with one incident during the previous quarter.

Rape went from four incidents last year to one this year, during the first quarter. There were a total of 13 during 2002, with one during the previous quarter.

During the first quarter, assault went from 221 incidents to 209 this year. There were a total of 934 during 2002, with 202 incidents during the previous quarter.

The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports logs seven index crimes, compiled for the national crime levels.

Champagne commented, “St. Charles Parish experienced a record low in terms of crime in 2002 and these numbers indicate we’re on track for another good year.”

Moving to property crimes, Champagne said, “We still think we can make improvements in property crimes, especially thefts out of automobiles.”

Robbery went from eight incidents last year to seven, during the first quarter. There were a total of 26 incidents last year, with four during the previous quarter.

Burglary went from 79 incidents last year to 80 this year, during the first quarter. There were a total of 395 incidents last year, with 90 in the previous quarter.

Theft went from 204 incidents last year to 235 this year, during the first quarter. There were a total of 1,017 incidents last year, with 232 in the previous quarter.

Auto theft went from 20 incidents last year to 21 this year, during the first quarter. There were a total of 107 incidents last year, with 29 during the previous quarter.

Champagne noted, “The citizens can do a lot to help prevent property crimes.”

He continued, “We’re encouraged that crimes against persons – murders, rapes and assaults – were down the first quarter of this year compared to this time last year. St. Charles Parish doesn’t have the high violent crime rate some neighboring parishes struggle with. Our nemesis continues to be property crimes.”