A report released today by the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department reveals overall crime in 2009 was down 20% compared to 2008.

Out of eight crime categories, all but one decreased. The one category that did not decrease in the county, was Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault. That actually increased by 28%. Sheriff Dick Meyers says that specific crime is more difficult to prevent because many times it happens behind closed doors, so officers don't specifically know what area to patrol to prevent that crime.

In the county and in Machesney Park, which is patrolled by sheriff's deputies, Homicide saw one of the largest drops. It's down by 100% in the village and 50% in the county.

Robbery also saw a major decrease, by nearly 50%. Winnebago County Sheriff Dick Meyers says crime analysis and targeting areas with high crime is helping reduce those numbers. But he says the most effective crime-fighting tool they're using more often, is more visual.

"A marked patrol unit with a uniformed officer inside of it, driving through the neighborhood where crime occurs. That's your best crime-prevention tool because when the burglar or the thief sees that, they want to go elsewhere," says Meyers.

Sheriff Meyers says their prisoner transportation van is also key in crime reduction. He says when there's an arrest, the van will come pick up the criminal, that way the officer on scene can continue patrolling the area for any additional crime.

Here is a break down of all eight crime categories:

RURAL WINNEBAGO COUNTY:

Homicide: 2008: 2
2009: 1
50% decrease

Agg. Criminal Sexual Assault: 2008: 29
2009: 37
28% increase

Robbery: 2008: 19
2009: 10
47% decrease

Agg. Assault & Battery: 2008: 112
2009: 95
15% decrease

Burglary: 2008: 548
2009: 407
26% decrease

Burglary/Vehicle & Theft: 2008: 924
2009: 740
20% decrease

Vehicle Theft: 2008: 100
2009: 94
6% decrease

Arson: 2008: 11
2009: 9
18% decrease

TOTAL: 2008: 1745
2009: 1393
20% total decrease

Figures below shows the same crime figures for the Village of Machesney Park, which is policed by the Sheriff under contract.

VILLAGE OF MACHESNEY PARK:

Homicide: 2008: 2
2009: 0
100% decrease

Agg. Criminal Sexual Assault: 2008: 13
2009: 11
15% increase

Robbery: 2008: 14
2009: 7
50% decrease

Agg. Assault & Battery: 2008: 56
2009: 54
4% decrease

Burglary: 2008: 199
2009: 172
14% decrease

Burglary/Vehicle & Theft: 2008: 729
2009: 566
22% decrease

Vehicle Theft: 2008: 39
2009: 39
No change

Arson: 2008: 5
2009: 0
100% decrease

TOTAL: 2008: 1057
2009: 849
20% total decrease