According to the annual survey by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the violent-crime rate in 2002 was 23 victims for every 1,000 U.S. residents aged 12 and older. This rate compared with 25 victims per 1,000 in 2001 and 50 in 1993.

The report also showed that property crimes, including burglaries and car thefts, were down last year. There were 159 crimes per 1,000 last year, a drop from 167 in 2001 and 319 in 1993.

U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft attributed the decline to the willingness of people to report crimes and the dedicated work of police, prosecutors, and judges.

"But lower crime rates must not lead to complacency," Ashcroft said. "We must continue our vigilance and renew our firm commitment to protect all Americans, bringing swift and certain justice to all those who would inflict pain and harm."

Also contributing to the decline, according to criminologists are a less-violent illegal drug trade, tougher prison sentences, a drop in gang membership, and enhanced home locks and alarms.

The survey's findings were based on interviews with 76,050 residents ages 12 and older from throughout the country. It includes all major property and violence crime, except murder, which is tracked separately by the FBI.

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