Stats show sharp increase in downtown Fargo crime

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The crime rate in North Dakota's largest city has been going down in the last five years, but police say the trend may be changing in downtown Fargo.

Police say the number of reported crimes in the downtown district is up 62 percent through July, compared to reports at the same point a year ago.

Crimes against people are up 15 percent.

Police Lt. Joel Vettel tells The Forum newspaper (http://bit.ly/Nw2uxD) that the percentage increases tend to look bad when you begin with a low crime rate.

The statistics include reports from an area that spans from Main Avenue going north to 6th Avenue North and from the Red River going west to University Drive.

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Information from: The Forum, http://www.in-forum.com

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