The Journal News reports: The number of violent crimes in Rockland increased in the first six months of this year compared to 2006, due mostly to street robberies in Spring Valley. Felony crimes overall were down over the same period countywide, according to figures reported to the state Division of Criminal Justice Services by local police agencies.

Spring Valley police said robberies already were slowing down and could drop by year’s end because they closed six bars and arrested 44 people last month on charges ranging from sale of narcotics to robbery.

From January to June, 16 more robberies were reported in the village – rising from 20 last year to 36 this year. Countywide, 20 more robberies were reported.

Spring Valley Police Chief Paul Modica said most of the robberies occurred at night or in the early morning hours along the Main Street bar district. And most of the victims were Hispanic immigrants, who have been attacked blocks from the taverns, he said.

The spate of robberies spiked the village’s overall crime rate by 10.6 percent over last year – 293 incidents, compared to 265 in the first six months of last year. Burglaries and motor vehicle thefts also were down.

Overall violent crime in Spring Valley has dropped by 66 percent from 1995 to 2006, even though the village has the most robberies and assaults in the county.

Overall, felonies across Rockland dropped 5.7 percent during the period. Rockland saw a reduction in the number of murders, aggravated assaults, property crimes, burglaries, larcenies and motor vehicle thefts. Reported rapes remained at the same level – 15 reported in each six-month period.

Crime is at its lowest level in 33 years and, District Attorney Michael Bongiorno said, is on track for favorable year-end numbers.

Crimes such as burglaries dropped another 14.6 percent – from 274 to 234 – during the first half-year of 2007. At that rate, burglaries would number fewer than 500 for the year, the lowest in 34 years.

(Source: TJN)