Crime in Evanston hit its lowest mark in 30 years in 2002, but police figures released last week show that violent crime was a notable exception.

Violent crimes — murder, sexual assault, robbery, and assault and battery — increased by 16.3 percent to 314 incidents last year, according to the Evanston Police Department’s 2002 Crime Index. Overall, the picture was more positive, with property crimes dropping by 1.2 percent to 4,122 incidents.

The overall index decreased slightly compared to 2001, with 4,436 crimes reported last year.

“We’re really glad that crime is down,” said Evanston Police Chief Frank Kaminski. “This year was the lowest it’s been (since 1972), and although we’ve seen some increases, that’s an overall good trend.”

Ald. Lionel Jean-Baptiste (2nd) said he is disappointed by the violent crime increases, even if the overall picture is positive.

“We’ve got to take a look at why those (figures) went up,” he said. “Is community policing lagging? We need to find a way to intervene as early as possible.”

The crime index has dropped significantly since it peaked in 1997, with 7,669 crimes reported — 42 percent more than last year. Decreases in sexual assault, theft and arson last year balanced increases in robbery, burglary, and assault and battery.

Assault and battery showed the highest increase of any category last year with a 17.9 percent increase to 171 incidents.

Evanston has had two murders each of the last two years. The fatal shooting Feb. 24 of Evanston resident Deminco Kennedy was the first in 2003.

Kaminski said the declining economy could be one reason behind the violent crime increases.

“A lot of variables contribute to varying crime stats, such as who’s in jail at a certain time or fluctuating socioeconomic levels,” Kaminski said. “With a bad economy, we tend to see more robberies and more street crimes.

“An increase in battery (also) tends to be domestically related because tough times in the economy can mean tough times for families,” Kaminksi said.

Police officials cited new policing programs — including a focus on “partnership” and community policing — and better communication with residents as two reasons for the overall reduced crime levels.

EPD Cmdr. Michael Perry said it’s almost impossible to pinpoint the causes that alter crime rates.

“We can’t predict what humans are going to do,” Perry said. “All you can do is educate people to be observant and more informed. There is still a criminal element in every community that no one can control.”

Ald. Steven Bernstein (4th) said he recognizes that violent crimes are sometimes unpreventible, but efforts can be made to stop them.

“Crime is something we continually have to address,” Bernstein said. “We work as hard as we can. There is no room in society for all these kinds of crimes. This is a societal issue.”

Kaminski said he fears crime may increase in coming years because of the looming threat of war and negative forecasts for the economy.

“What is going on with the war and terrorism concerns me,” Kaminski said. “We might be able to overcome this, but it’s going to be a challenge.”

Perry urged students and residents to look out for suspicious behavior and report it.

“It’s important for people to be more alert about their surroundings,” Perry said.

“If you have to walk alone at night and feel uncomfortable, especially if you’re a woman, then do things like carry a whistle and walk in well-lit areas,” he said. “Let someone know where you are and call if you’re going to be coming home late.”