Serious crime in Maryland's capital city dropped last year to the lowest levels in 35 years, according to recently released Annapolis Police Department statistics. In 2009, homicides in Annapolis were down 50 percent, robbery 37 percent and aggravated assault 15 percent from the previous year's statistics. "These numbers demonstrate a continuing significant decrease in crime in Annapolis," said Police Chief Michael A. Pristoop. The city's 1,224 serious crimes - including homicide, aggravated assault, rape and some theft and property crimes - represents the fewest since the city began reporting the statistics in 1975. The total number of violent crimes in Annapolis decreased 24 percent and property crimes fell 38 percent over the 2008 totals.

- Nicole Fuller