Rising Crime Linked To Economy, Police Say

Police across Massachusetts say a surge in crime in their communities can be attributed in part to the economic downturn.

Police say they are seeing more burglaries, larcenies, and car breaks, as well as increases in domestic violence and scams.

Lawrence police tell The Boston Globe the number of home burglaries jumped 52 percent last year. Larcenies and thefts went up 21 percent in Lowell in 2008. The town of Hingham saw a 62 percent rise in reports of domestic violence between October and February.

In Ludlow, the number of fraud cases doubled last year.

Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis says a jump in auto thefts, burglaries and robberies can be blamed in part on the economy, but he also says drug problems and chronic poverty are factors.