New Hampshire 1966: Crime on the Rise

In 1966, New Hampshire saw a significant rise in crime rates, a trend that mirrored the increasing crime rates across the United States. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, the Granite State experienced a notable increase in reported crimes, with law enforcement agencies submitting data on a voluntary basis.

Nationally, the 1960s were marked by rising crime rates, fueled by social and cultural shifts. The decade saw the emergence of new forms of crime, including juvenile delinquency and white-collar crimes. In New Hampshire, the most notable crime trend in 1966 was the increase in property crimes, such as burglary and larceny. These crimes were often linked to the growing economy and increasing consumerism of the time.

The FBI UCR program, established in 1930, provided a framework for collecting and analyzing crime data from law enforcement agencies across the country. While the program’s data was not comprehensive, it offered valuable insights into crime trends and patterns. In 1966, New Hampshire’s law enforcement agencies reported a total of 3,416.8 reported crimes per 100,000 inhabitants, a significant increase from previous years.

Violent crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, also saw a notable rise in New Hampshire during 1966. However, these crimes remained relatively rare compared to property crimes. The state’s law enforcement agencies reported 3.8 murders and non-negligent manslaughters per 100,000 inhabitants, a rate that was slightly higher than the national average.

As the decade progressed, New Hampshire’s crime rates continued to rise, reflecting the national trend. The state’s law enforcement agencies faced new challenges in addressing the growing crime problem, including the increasing use of automobiles as a means of committing crimes. The FBI UCR program’s data provided valuable insights for policymakers and law enforcement agencies, helping to inform strategies for addressing the state’s crime problem.