Police officers conducting a search in Los Angeles, Calif. (© Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images)

Violent crimes on the rise in the USA for the first time in 20 years

10/17/2012

Americans may have been lulled into a false sense of security by the consistent decrease in violent crime since 1993. Now, like a surprise assault from an attacker in the bushes, last year's violent crime level has shocked the Bureau of Justice Statistics with a 22 percent jump in the number of violent crimes — specifically "simple assaults" involving physical threats rather than weapons — that result in minor injuries. Silver lining: "Serious violent crime," which includes rape and robbery, has increased so slightly that it's considered statistically insignificant. Still, if you had your eye on some pepper spray or judo lessons, it might be a good time to splurge. [Source]

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