BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The Bakersfield Police Department has released information regarding crime statistics.

Sgt. Greg Terry of the Bakersfield Police Department noted that during the first 10 months of 2008, the city of Bakersfield saw a slight reduction in the overall crime rate compared to that of the same period in 2007.

The crime statistics of 2007 were 4,636 reported crimes per 100,000 citizens and the crime rate of 2008 for the first 10 months was 4,518 reported crimes per 100,000 citizens.

According to police reports, the first 10 months of 2008 in Bakersfield saw 21 homicides, compared to 12 homicides of the first 10 months in 2007. But 2007's total of 15 homicides for the year was the lowest number Bakersfield has seen since 1989.

Gang shootings have also decreased. The BPD reported that in 2008 there have been 50 shootings compared to the 55 in the same time period as 2007.

The BPD also noted that compared to the same time period in 2007, there have been increases in the number of reported sexual assaults, robberies and burglaries and decreases in the number of aggravated assaults, thefts, and auto thefts.

The BPD encourages the community to think about safety this year while doing their holiday shopping. For more information, visit its Web site, Holiday Safety.