Although serious crime decreased 1.1 percent, the aggregate total (55,704 crimes) represents the second highest total over a 10-year comparison span. Moreover, violent crime rose 7.1 percent in 1981 from 1980. Of the seven basic crime categories (homicide, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft), robbery increased the most, by 11.6 percent; conversely, homicide decreased the most, by 15.4 percent. A table compares 1981 serious crime in Providence with that in other New England cities of similar size. Six tables, two illustrations, and a glossary are included.