According to new statistics, crime is on the rise in Rockland County.

Statewide crime statistics released yesterday by the Division of Criminal Justice Services compare data in the same five-month period from the past two years.

The study shows Rockland reported 154 cases of violent crimes in 2010, but in the first five months of 2011 that number went up 30.5 percent to 201 cases. Local police officials say the economy and cuts are forcing them to do more to combat crime with a smaller staff.

According to Clarkstown Police Chief Michael Sullivan, aggravated assault rose from 23 to 33 percent in the first six months of 2011 compared to last year.

Across the state, overall crime dropped 8 percent, while violent crime decreased by 11 percent compared to last year. The statistics only include agencies that have five months of complete crime reporting for both years.

Preliminary Date SummaryUniform Crime/Incident-Based ReportingAgencies Excluded due to Delinquent Reporting