SC rates for overall violent crimes and property crime fell in 2018.

But according to the SC Law Enforcement Division, murders in 2018 reached a 5-year high with 393 victims.

The number of law enforcement officers assaulted increased 16%. 

The Uniform Crime Report for 2018 showed the rate of violent crimes decreased 2%. 

The rate of property crimes dropped 4% compared to the previous year.  

It is the 5th consecutive year the number of property crimes declined.

SLED Chief Mark Keel said he was "deeply troubled by the increasing number of murders, domestic violence incidents and the number of law enforcement officers assaulted.”

The data compiled for this report come from sheriff’s departments and police departments across the state.The full Crime in South Carolina 2018 report is available on SLED’s website at www.sled.sc.gov .