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Homicides in the U.S. increased nearly 30 percent last year compared to 2019, part of an overall increase in violent crime in the country, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported Monday.

In its annual crime statistics report, the FBI said nearly 1.3 million violent crimes were committed in the U.S. last year, up 5.6 percent from 2019 and the first time the figure had risen in four years. Nearly 18,000 killings were reported, the FBI said.

The FBI report underscored the correlation between shootings and killings. Gun-related homicides accounted for more than two out of every three such deaths, according to the data.

The FBI, the country's top criminal investigative agency, said there were more than 6.4 million property crimes committed, down 7.8 percent from the year before and the 18th straight year the figure has fallen.

Although the number of murders and non-negligent manslaughter offenses increased, the FBI said the number of robberies dropped 9.3 percent and rapes by 12 percent, while the estimated number of aggravated assault offenses rose 12.1 percent.

Among property crimes, the FBI said the number of burglaries dropped 7.4 percent and larceny-thefts fell by 10.6 percent, but motor vehicle thefts rose 11.8 percent.

Collectively, victims of property crimes, excluding arson, suffered losses estimated at $17.5 billion in 2020, the report said. Law enforcement agencies throughout the U.S. arrested 7.6 million people last year, excluding those for traffic violations, the report stated.

(VOA: Text, excluding headline)

• FILE - Police crime scene tape is posted at the scene of a shooting on the South Side of Chicago, July 26, 2020

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