Previous research on the effects of welfare spending on crime rates have generally focused on the relationship between public assistance spending and part one offenses, which incorporate the most serious offenses. These studies have typically found an inverse relationship between welfare spending and serious crime rates, meaning that the more money put into public assistance, the greater the reduction in serious crime. Part two offenses, which are less serious in nature, are far more prevalent than serious offenses. As such, it is important to study the effect of public assistance spending on part two offenses in order to inform public policy regarding welfare and crime. The current study focused on the effect of welfare spending on both part one and part two property offenses in all 120 Kentucky counties during the period 1980 through 1990. Data were drawn from the Kentucky Uniform Crime Reporting Program and county records on welfare program spending. Results of statistical analyses indicated contradictory results; specifically a positive relationship was noted between changes in welfare spending and changes in part two property crime arrests between 1980 and 1990. Policy implications are discussed. Future research should consider the use of longitudinal designs to study the impact of terminated welfare programs on crime rates since the mid-1990s. Tables, notes, references