During 1977, there were 6,724 violent crimes and 57,259 property crimes reported in the State. The serious crime rate per 1,000 population was 53.7, down from the 62.4 rate for 1976. Firearms were used in 62.5 percent of the 112 murders reported. Of the 112 reported murders 98 were cleared by arrest. Reported rapes numbered 510 in 1977, reflecting an increase of 7.3 percent. There were 1,322 robberies reported during the year, and 16,760 cases of breaking and entering were recorded. In 1977, law enforcement agencies reported 3,584 offenses of motor vehicle thefts amounting to approximately $7.5 million; 2,220 of these vehicles were recovered. Police recovered $7.8 million of the $22.1 million in property stolen during the year. There were 5,452 arrests for violations of narcotic drug laws, an increase of 8.3 percent over 1976. Juvenile arrests totaled 14,450 in 1977, of which 4,863 were arrested for serious crimes. Law enforcement agency cooperation throughout the State contributed to the success of this year's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Extensive tables comprise the report. (Author abstract modified)