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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The FBI today released its final 1998 Uniform Crime Report showing serious crime has decreased for the seventh year in a row. According to these final numbers, serious crime in 1998 declined more than 6 percent from 1997.

Attorney General Janet Reno issued the following statement:

"Today's news is great for citizens across the nation. For seven years now we have seen serious crime go down in each region of the country, and in cities and towns large and small. Our children are safer and our families feel more secure.

"There is no one reason for the continued drop in crime. It's a combination of many factors. It's more police officers on the streets, greater partnerships between law enforcement agencies, continued efforts to keep guns away from criminals, and a balanced approach that includes prevention, intervention, punishment and supervision.

"The falling crime rate is wonderful news. But, we must not become complacent. We must remain steadfast in our efforts so that crime can continue to fall as we head into the 21^st century.

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