MIDDLETOWN – Overall crime in the City of Middletown decreased by three percent in 2011 while at the same time, arrests were up by 21 percent. Those statistics were released by the state Thursday.

Mayor Joseph DeStefano is pleased that the crime trend is decreasing, which he attributed to the efforts of the city’s police department.

Among the categories of crime that have increases is larcenies and DeStefano said they are typically a crime of opportunity.

“Ninety-two percent of the people who are a victim of a larceny from their car left their doors unlocked and we are trying to do an educational program – when you leave your car, lock your door, don’t leave your valuables out."

The mayor said common sense approaches can make people safe and secure.