Hamilton crime rate down

The overall violent crime rate is down in Hamilton.

Officials say while last year's rate declined from 2009, homicides jumped from 6 cases in 2009 to 11 cases last year.

That’s up 38 per cent over the five-year average.

Sexual offences jumped 6 per cent in 2010, while drug-related offences climbed 24 per cent.

Thefts fell 12 per cent last year.