NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The North Charleston Police Department reported a decrease in violent and non-violent crimes last month. The violent crime index was reduced by 10%, according to the agency. Homicides are down 42%, which the department said is a reduction of 11 cases compared to last year. Aggravated assaults decreased by 14%, and aggravated assaults committed with firearms decreased by 13%. Police noted, however, that robberies increased by 12% with business robberies up 69%. They say it is an increase of nine cases, and the number of individuals who have been robbed has risen by six percent. North Charleston welcomes new police chief, Ron Camacho “The index has decreased by 15% on the non-violent crime front compared to last year,” the agency said in a social media post. “Overall, burglaries are down by 15%, while business burglaries have seen a significant decrease of 46% (a reduction of 80 cases).”