The overall number of major crimes reported in Osceola County during the first half of 2009 decreased 7.1 percent compared to same period last year, according to countywide statistics recently released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The statistics show crime down in all major crime categories – murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft – across the county. Statistics linked to the three law enforcement agencies in the county reflected similar trends.

The number of reported crimes that were cleared with an arrest or resolution countywide increased from 27.5 percent during the first six months of last year to 34.3 percent cleared in the first half of 2009.

Major crimes between January and June within St. Cloud decreased 8.6 percent compared to the same months in 2008. St. Cloud Deputy Chief Vinny Shepard said the department was able to decrease crime in St. Cloud by analyzing crime statistics and responding to trends in a timely manner, as well as the various police units working together efficiently.

“It’s always a challenge with tough economic times. We have to change the way we do things to fit our budgetary needs,” Shepard said. “You have to watch more things and come up with some creative ideas to do more with less.”

In Kissimmee, police also are working proactively against crime, Chief Fran Iwanski said. The department reported a 4.3 percent drop in overall crime.

Crime continues to decrease, as it did last year, despite the economic downturn because of measures to stay ahead of crime trends some time ago, Iwanski said.

“Now we’re just starting to see everything fall in place, she said. “We try to involve our community all the time. We work very hard at that.”

The city of Kissimmee saw a 5.3-percent increase in burglaries compared to the burglaries reported in the first six months of 2008, but saw no increases in any other category. Iwanski said the department continues to emphasize the importance of residents locking their cars and homes, discouraging thefts and burglaries.

“They have to be part of the solution, and protect their own property,” she said.

The department has enacted a campaign placing signs that remind residents to lock their car doors and take their personal valuables with them.

Unincorporated Osceola County, over which the Sheriff’s Office takes jurisdiction, reported 8.1 percent less major crimes during the first half of 2009.

“Proactive, aggressive and intelligence-driven law enforcement aid tremendously in reducing and solving crime,” Sheriff Bob Hansell said.

He added that community involvement plays a large part. “Citizens playing an active role in their community makes our county a safer place,” he said.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s mid-year report doesn’t reflect population increases or decreases.