SC rates for overall violent and property crime fell in 2018.

But according to the SC Law Enforcement Division, murders in 2018 reached a 5-year high with 393 victims.

The number of law enforcement officers assaulted increased 16% statewide.

The Uniform Crime Report for 2018 showed the rate of violent crimes decreased 2%.

The rate of property crimes dropped 4% compared to 2017.

It is the 5th consecutive year the number of property crimes declined.

In 2018, Lexington County law enforcement reported:

• 1,140 violent crimes

• 12 murders

• 141 sexual battery cases

• 157 robberies

• 830 aggravated assaults

• 9,046 property crimes

• 1,345 break-ins

• 1,026 vehicle thefts

• 6,684 larceny cases

• 22 arson cases

SLED Chief Mark Keel said

he was “deeply troubled” by the increase in murders, domestic violence and law enforcement officers assaulted.

The data compiled for this report come from sheriffs’ and police departments across the state.

The full 2018 Crime in SC report is available on SLED’s website at www.sled.sc.gov/SCCrimeBooks.aspx?MenuID=CrimeReporting .