According to the 2007 Uniform Crime Report released Thursday, overall crime reports decreased in Iowa by 8 percent, but violent crimes rose 5.7 percent from 2006 to 2007.

While 2007 had the lowest number of homicides reported since the Iowa Department of Public Safety began recording crime statistics in 1974, reports of aggravated assault and forcible rape rose, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

Other rates that increased during the 2007 year were fraud and stolen property offenses. Hate crime percentages did not change.

The press release stated crime rates on the decline in 2007 included arson, burglary, drug offenses and motor vehicle theft.