Aggravated assaults in Anne Arundel dropped in 2007 to their lowest numbers in five years, compared with robberies that rose to their highest numbers, according to a police analysis.

Homicides and rapes saw a slight decrease in 2007, despite reported incidents fluctuating around these numbers during the past five years, according to crime statistics given to the FBI for its annual Uniform Crime Report, which tracks crime trends nationwide.

The total number of violent crimes — homicides, rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults — continued to fall steadily since 2002. In 2007 the reported incidents reached 2,041, compared with 2,373 in 2002.

Police saw a drop in homicides from 17 to 12 with a 66 percent closure rate, on par with the FBI national average.

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But Anne Arundel saw an 8 percent increase in property crimes, comprising burglary, theft, auto theft and arson. A team of officers was formed to focus on burglaries, and 73 suspects have been arrested for 60 burglaries since November 2007, police said.

In addition, traffic fatalities dropped in 2007 from 44 to 30, a change police attribute in part to the 6,000 additional traffic stops made in 2007.

“The police deserve a lot of credit for the reduction in violent crime,” said Councilman Josh Cohen, D-District 6, who is developing outreach programs to help residents recognize and report signs of gang activity.

cpeirce@baltimoreexaminer.com