The crime data show Alaska experienced a decrease in the total number of both violent and property crimes between 1996 and 1997. In 1997, 13.1 percent of total crimes were violent crimes and 86.9 percent were property crimes. In 1996, 13.6 percent of total crimes were crimes against persons and 86.4 percent were property crimes. The 50 murders reported in 1997 represented 1.4 percent of violent crimes and 0.2 percent of total crime index offenses. About 11 percent more murders occurred in 1997 than in 1996. Of murder victims, 10 percent were under 10 years of age and 22 percent were under 20 years of age. In 1997, 375 rapes, including 38 attempted rapes, were reported. This figure represented 10.5 percent of violent crimes and 1.4 percent of total crime index offenses. Nearly 6 percent fewer rapes occurred in 1997 than in 1996. The 17,436 larceny-thefts reported in 1997 represented 73.7 percent of property crimes and 64.1 percent of total crime index offenses. The number of larceny-thefts decreased by more than 7 percent between 1996 and 1997. About 45 percent of persons arrested for larceny-theft were under 18 years of age, and about 66 percent were male. The 2,385 motor vehicle thefts reported in 1997 represented 10.1 percent of property crimes and 8.8 percent of total crime index offenses. There was an 8.9-percent reduction in the number of motor vehicle thefts between 1996 and 1997. Approximately 40 percent of persons arrested for motor vehicle theft were under 18 years of age, 27 percent were between 25 and 39 years of age, and 80 percent were male. Detailed data are tabulated on statewide offense totals and on offenses reported to law enforcement. An appendix defines UCR offenses. Tables and figures