CHICAGO -- Chicago's violent crime rate is down 7 percent for 2004 and there have been 139 fewer killings during the same period in 2003, officials said.
"Today more than ever, we're putting the right resources in the right place and at the right time. That accounts for our continued declines in violent crime," Chicago Police Deputy Superintendent Hiram Grau said in a statement.
Police attributed the sinking violent crime rate to better intelligence and organization, reported the Chicago Tribune Saturday.
Police have seized 9,581 guns, up from 8,950 from the same 10-month period last year, and the Narcotic and Gang Investigations Section has removed 30 open-air drug markets this year, authorities said.
Chicago police said it helped federal investigators in bringing down key leaders of the Black Disciples and Vice Lords street gangs, which officials said controlled many street corner drug operations in the city.
