Violent crime decreased by 2 percent, following 15 years of increases. Property crime decreased by 1 percent, continuing the general decline since 1991. In 1996, homicide and robbery were the only violent crimes to increase over the previous year. Except for residential breaking and entering (up 3 percent) and motor vehicle theft (up 9 percent), property crime rates dropped. The rate of youth charged in 1996 declined by 4 percent, with decreases reported across all crime categories. The decline in youth charged with violent crime marked the first notable annual reduction since comparable data on young offenders became available in 1986. Of Canada's nine largest Census Metropolitan Areas (CMA's), only Calgary and Vancouver reported violent crime increases. Violent crime rates were lowest in Quebec and highest in Vancouver. Property crime rose in the CMA's of Quebec, Montreal, and Vancouver. Ottawa reported the greatest decrease in property crime. 13 tables and 13 figures