Statewide, the average crime index dropped from 2011 to 2012, but in Beaufort County, those levels rose, if only slightly.

According to an annual report by the N.C. Department of Justice, the state’s crime rate decreased 4.4 percent from 2011 to 2012. Violent crime, which includes murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, decreased by 3.8 percent; property crime, consisting of burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft, dropped 4.9 percent. Arson, however, increased by 1.6 percent, statewide.

While crime in Beaufort County remains below the North Carolina average, violent crime jumped 11.5 percent from 2011 to 2012 and property crime went up 3 percent.

But the numbers don’t necessarily tell the whole story, according to Washington Police Chief Stacy Drakeford.

“To me, (the numbers have) to do with the opportunity that people have to commit larceny,” Drakeford said. “Criminals target cars that are not locked; when people don’t secure their bikes for their children. Those are crimes of opportunity.”

Drakeford said this year’s numbers, so far, show property crime is actually on the downswing in Washington.

“From January to September this year, we’re actually seeing a decrease in those crimes,” Drakeford said.

In 2011, there were 388 larcenies in the city; in 2012, there were 406. So far in 2013, Washington police have investigated 356 of those crimes.

“The bulk of our larceny crimes has to do with shoplifting — and we had a rash of bicycle thefts,” Drakeford said. “Our larcenies are the biggest problem. And drugs are prevalent in every community.”

Inner Banks Outfitters owner Lianne Harsh said in the seven-plus years she’s operated her business at the end of East Main Street, she’s had three or four break-ins and somewhere from $1,000 to $1,500 of merchandise stolen. The latest incident happened last week: a Flatstalker — a bright yellow, molded-plastic and foam fishing craft designed for fishing in shallow waters — was stolen from outside her shop. Regardless of this latest theft, Harsh doesn’t feel like crime has gotten worse in Washington, as the incident prior to last week’s theft happened three years ago.

“I really don’t think it’s gotten worse. … Actually, it seems like, if anything, it’s gotten better,” Harsh said. “And I think that’s probably made me more a little more relaxed. And I’m proud of that: that I’m in a community where I can be like that.”

But Harsh decided to go with an ounce of prevention, installing security cameras overlooking the outdoor area where she stores her rental kayaks and paddleboards.

“I’ve bragged about this town and how you don’t have to worry about that kind of stuff, and now I have security cameras,” Harsh said.

As for violent crimes, Drakeford said that violent crime in the area is taking a downturn as well. In 2011, 222 assaults were reported; in 2012, that number increased by 15 percent to 261 assaults for the year. In 2013, so far that number is holding at 168.

“The numbers we’re showing, we’re down,” Drakeford said.

Anyone with information about the Flatstalker theft from Inner Banks Outfitters should contact Beaufort County Crime Stoppers by phone, text or through its website. Call 252-974-6400; text a tip anonymously by dialing 274637 on a cellphone and in the body of the message, type BCSO131 and the tip; or submit a tip through the Crime Stoppers website, www.beaufortcountycrimestoppers.com, by following the “Tip Line” link and filling out an online form. Calls, texts and emails are anonymous. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Tipsters do not have to give their names to receive rewards.