Violent crime cases down in Minneapolis

The number of violent crimes in Minnesota's biggest city is down from last year.

The Minneapolis Police Department says there have been 14 homicides in 2008 compared to 25 at this time last year. Aggravated assaults are also down, with 953 this year compared to 1,076 at this time in 2007.

Officials say cooler weather could be one reason police are seeing fewer violent crimes this year.

Minneapolis Police Sergeant Bill Palmer says the department's strategies for fighting crime might also be a factor. He says the department has worked hard to fight juvenile crime and target violent offenders.

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Information from: WCCO-TV, http://www.wcco.com

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