Violent crime increased in the United States in 2006 for the second consecutive year, continuing an upward climb after more than a decade of declines, according to statistics released Monday by the FBI.

Violent crime incidents -- defined as homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault -- increased 1.9%, to 1.41 million, in 2006. Homicides increased 1.8%, to 17,034.

The volume of violent crimes was higher than expected; preliminary data released by the FBI this summer showed a 1.3% increase over 2005.

 Source : LA Times