According to the Eau Claire Police Department (via the Leader Telegram), our local crime rates have totally tanked. They’re at their lowest point in 30 years. Eau Claire’s weaknesses in the crime arena are further explained …

• Despite a rise in violent incidents, Eau Claire's overall crime rate in 2008 was the lowest in 30 years, according to the Eau Claire Police Department. …
• While violent crime increased by 8.1 percent last year, property crime fell by 6.9 percent. Overall, the crime rate dropped 4.2 percent in 2008.
• Shoplifting increased last year, but total thefts declined. Stolen vehicles dropped dramatically, plunging by more than 40 percent, according to police figures.

How can our community possibly compete with the excitement of big city crime in the midst of such positive plunges and reductions? Police Chief Jerry Matysik is quoted as saying "We're very pleased. We depend on all members of the community. We can't do it alone."

That’s right, people. The police cannot stop crime alone. You must do your part by not robbing banks, not car-jacking, and not being a jewel-stealing cat burglar. And you’ve been doing a crackerjack job, Chippewa Valley. Kudos!