Murders up in 2010

NEW YORK [AP] — New York City saw a double-digit increase in murders during 2010, though overall crime was down 2 percent from last year. That’s according to preliminary figures from the New York City Police Department.

As of Dec. 31, there were 532 murders, up from 471 in 2009. The city has seen record lows in crime in the past decade, and last year’s murder rate was one of the lowest ever.

Criminologists have said such increases should not cause worry and that the city is not returning to the days when there were more than 2,000 people slain per year.

NYPD figures released Monday show that rapes are up 14 percent and robbery is also up 4 percent from 2009. Among those killed in 2010 included 10 arson victims; the year before there was only one.