Newcastle Police report a drop in the city’s crime rate during the first quarter of 2009. Serious crimes were down more than 15 percent from the same period a year ago, while less serious crimes were down over 8 percent.

Commercial burglary was down 83 percent, arson down 100 percent and larceny, under $250, was down 50 percent.

Residential burglaries were up 54 percent to a total of 17 in the first quarter of 2009, compared to 11 cases during the same period in 2008.

In June, the King County Prosecutor announced a new Repeat Burglar Initiative (RBI), a partnership with police to more aggressively prosecute high-impact burglary suspects. Law enforcement agencies from across King County helped identify the “Top 20” most prolific burglars. Within the first month of developing that list, 15 of the “Top 20” have been either arrested, charged, or are awaiting sentencing.

“We hope the RBI, in conjunction with our residents watching out for each other, will help lower the home burglary rate as we go through the rest of the year,” said Newcastle Police Chief Melinda Irvine. “The vast majority of these crimes are committed by people who don’t live in Newcastle, so it’s important for our residents to always report any suspicious activity.”