Crime rates down, homicides up in 2005.

Despite increases in serious crimes such as homicide, attempted murder, serious assaults and robbery, Canada's national crime rate in 2005 fell 5%, the Centre for Justice Statistics reports. Based on police reports, the Centre indicates declines in non-violent offenses such as counterfeiting, break-ins and auto thefts accounted for most of the decline in the crime rate, which fell in every province and territory.

Among the features of the Centre's summary of crime:

* the homicide rate increased 4% to the highest level in almost a decade;

* the overall violent crime rate was unchanged;

* the property crime rate fell 6%;

* the rate of drug offenses declined;

* overall youth crime has declined.

The national crime rate has been relatively stable since 1999, with last year's crime rate down in all provinces, territories and most cities.

The highest provincial crime rates continued to be seen in the West. Saskatchewan recorded the highest overall rate, followed by British Columbia and Manitoba. Rates were lowest in Ontario and Quebec.

Virtually all 27 census metropolitan areas (CMAs) reported declining or stable crime rates. The only exceptions were small increases in London and Ottawa.