End-of-the-year reports show violent crime was down in 2021 for Lincoln County.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office recently released its year-end Crime Stats report, with comparisons to 2020. The statistics do not include any reports from within the Brookhaven Police Department jurisdiction — only calls handled by the LCSO.

No murders were reported within the county, compared to two reported homicides in 2020.

Sixty-four assaults — 45 simple and 19 aggravated — were reported for 2021, compared to 80 in 2020 (66 simple and 14 aggravated) — a decrease of 20 percent.

Disturbances were up by 40 percent, however, with 298 in 2021 compared to 119 in 2020. Disturbances are defined as any acts causing annoyance, disquiet, agitation or derangement to another, or interrupting his/her peace, or interfering with him/her in the pursuit of a lawful and appropriate occupation.

Thefts and burglaries were down by 3.5 percent. Thefts (petit and grand), motor vehicle thefts (including joy riding and unauthorized use) and burglaries (home, auto, other buildings) totaled 258 for 2020. There were 76 total burglaries, 33 motor vehicle thefts and 149 other thefts.

The “other” number did not change in 2021, but burglaries decreased to 61 (-20 percent) and motor vehicle theft increased to 39 (plus 15 percent). Overall, thefts and burglaries decreased to 249 in 2021.

“We’re coming to work, working cases and solving crime and doing the best we can for our community,” said Sheriff Steve Rushing. “It’s a collaborative effort between us and the general public. Hopefully, we can continue to keep our numbers down.”

Overall, LCSO reported 11,161 total calls for 2021, compared to 12,854 in the previous year.

Other reported statistics:

• Alarm calls — 458, up from 442

• Vehicle accidents — 461, up from 388

• Escorts — 301, up form 231

• Unlocks — 520, up from 430

• Transports — 477, up from 409

• Livestock in roadway — 155, down from 167

• Vandalism — 54, down from 55

• Suspicious vehicles — 537, up from 530

• Suspicious persons — 412, up from 351

• General complaints — 3,482, down from 3,973