The Maine Department of Public Safety says crime dropped 7 percent in the state last year, for the fourth consecutive decline in crime in Maine.

But law enforcement officials are concerned that four of the five categories that saw increases were crimes against people: rape, robbery, aggravated assaults and homicides. The other category that saw an increase was motor vehicle thefts.

Public Safety Commissioner John Morris said law enforcement officers continue to grapple with heroin and prescription drug abuse, and he blamed drugs for being "the driving force for most of Maine crime."

The commissioner said the total number of adult and juvenile drug arrests grew from 5,801 in 2014 to 5,943 last year. — AUGUSTA, Maine (AP)

 

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