Police in Portage say their city saw significant reductions in crime last year. They report the lowest number of thefts/stolen property incidents and vehicle thefts in more than fifteen years. They also say 2012 saw the lowest number of burglaries in Portage since 2001.
Police credit their department's efforts, and note their police reserve program assists with thousands of donated hours in daily operations. Also a second school resource officer has been added, and an officer has been assigned part-time to the US Marshal's Fugitive Task Force
There were some increases –  two homicides occurred last year, one the year before; reports of rape went up from three to four, and arsons doubled from two to four.
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