The data found in the 2011 crime statistics released by the Macon Police Department and the Bibb County Sheriffs Office are a mix of good and not-so-good. Overall, crime n Macon is up 5 percent and down in the county by 135 reports. None of the statistics are surprising. While it’s safer to walk the streets with robberies and aggravated assaults down in the city and county, residential burglaries were up in the city by 6 percent over 2010 data and down in the county. Police Chief Mike Burns has vowed to reduce the residential burglary number and the best way to do that is to put the perpetrators of those crimes in jail -- quickly. Burglaries are linked to drugs. Thieves kick in doors seeking TVs, computers and other items that can be sold quickly. The number of drug arrests are up 45 percent with 409 more arrests than 2010. That may forecast a future dip in the residential burglary number if we can keep the thieves behind bars.

Police used 21 special operations in 2011 targeting high crime areas, and while some believe the police are harassing neighborhoods with road checks, and increased presence, residents, we feel, appreciate those efforts.

Crimes of opportunity, such as auto break ins, can be somewhat prevented by the driving public. Too many times we leave our valuables in plain sight, and we would be amazed at the times cars and trucks are left unlocked.

The theft category, which includes auto break-ins were up 591 incidents over last year. Car thefts were down in the city and county. Still, 762 vehicles were stolen in the city and county last year.

One crime we rarely notice is arson. There were 63 arson crimes in Macon in 2011 (down nine from 2010) and 12 in the county (same as 2010). While it may not concern us, we can bet it concerns insurance companies. As rates rise, the number of arson cases and car thefts will concern us, too.

-- Charles E. Richardson, for the

Editorial Board