We previously reported on the 2008 criminal statistics for Monmouth and Ocean County, and the figures are now in on Union County and Middlesex County as well. There was a 9% increase in criminal charges in Union County.  Middlesex County rose slightly less at 8% in crime.  The upward trend continued to be in the area of non-violent property offenses like burglary, theft and larceny. Violent crimes experienced a 3% decrease statewide although both rape and murder offenses were up. It is believed that the rise in homicides was largely accountable to a spree of murders in Camden County. 

While the defense attorneys at our firm represent individuals in Municipal Courts and Superior Courts of Union County and Middlesex County almost daily, I cannot say we have noticed a trend in crime one way or another. We believe that the figures are relatively consistent with prior years.