Statistics released this week by the FBI show that Bellevue’s 2011 crime rate fell in most statistical categories compared with the previous year.

The report showed that the number of aggravated assaults in Bellevue dropped from 69 in 2010 to 58 in 2011; robberies fell from 59 to 58; burglaries went from 657 to 607; thefts decreased from 2905 to 2775; and motor vehicle thefts dropped from 207 to 157.

There was one murder in Bellevue in 2011, up from zero in 2010, while the number of rapes increased to 23 in 2011, from 10 in 2010, an unusually low number compared to the historical average. Part One Crimes in Bellevue have declined 17 percent since 2008.

The FBI’s nationwide Uniform Crime Reporting Program collects data annually on specific violent crimes and property crimes. Nationally, violent crime fell for the fifth year in a row, dropping 4.5 percent (per 100,000 people) in 2011. Property crime fell for the ninth year in a row, dropping by 1.3 percent.

The vast majority of property crimes can be avoided by locking the windows and doors of homes and vehicles, leave nothing of value in the car and using an alarm, police officials said.

Police also note that any high-value items with a serial number can be entered into the National Crime Information Center database just like a stolen car. Keeping a record of all serial numbers greatly increases the possibility of stolen property being returned, police said.