New Hampshire 1977: Rise of Burglary

In 1977, New Hampshire saw a significant spike in burglaries, with the Granite State reporting one of the highest rates in the nation. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, which collected and analyzed crime data from law enforcement agencies across the country, New Hampshire’s burglary rate stood out in a year marked by rising crime nationwide.

Across the United States, crime rates were on the rise in the mid-1970s, driven in part by social and economic changes, including the aftermath of the 1960s civil rights movement and the growing awareness of social issues. Burglary, in particular, became a major concern as urban decay and economic stagnation led to increased property crime. The FBI’s UCR program reported a 10.3% increase in burglary rates nationwide between 1975 and 1976, setting the stage for a continued rise in 1977.

New Hampshire’s burglary rate was particularly noteworthy, with the state ranking among the top 10 in the nation for burglary rates per 100,000 inhabitants. The most affected areas were likely urban centers, where poverty and economic decline had taken hold. The state’s rural areas, while generally safer, were not immune to the trend, with reports of break-ins and thefts increasing in even the most remote regions.

The FBI UCR program reported that in 1977, the overall crime rate in New Hampshire increased by 4.5% compared to the previous year. Violent crime rates, including murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, also rose, albeit at a slower pace than property crime. The national trend was similar, with the overall crime rate increasing by 5.2% and violent crime rates rising by 3.4%.

The 1977 crime statistics for New Hampshire reflect a state grappling with the same social and economic challenges faced by cities across the country. As law enforcement agencies and policymakers worked to address the root causes of crime, the state’s burglary rate remained a pressing concern. The data collected by the FBI UCR program provides a nuanced understanding of the complexities of crime in New Hampshire and serves as a reminder that the struggle against property crime continues to this day.