According to an Abilene Police Department report, violent crime has increased by almost 10 percent in the first six months of 2012.

"We have way too much violent crime going on here in Abilene and we know we can do better as a community," Officer George Spindler said Wednesday.

For the first six months of 2012, Abilene police have seen a 9.6 percent increase in violent crime. Just last year, Abilene police said violent crime had fallen 26 percent.

Violent crimes include murder, robbery, sexual assault and aggravated assault. So far in 2012, police said they have seen the largest increase in aggravated assault crimes.

"Those are things that are unacceptable and of course against the law," Officer Spindler said. "Our community needs to be aware that we have a problem involving aggravated assault and we can do better to lower that."

Property crime has also increased by 0.3 percent. In 2011, property crime had fallen 10 percent.

Officer Spindler said the Abilene community is the first line of defense in preventing crime. To reduce property crime, people must remember to always lock their cars, homes and protect their valuables.

People can inventory their valuable items online at www.leadsonline.com, free of charge, to help police return stolen items to their rightful owner.

"They have to do positive things to prevent crime and report crime," Officer Spindler said.

If you see a crime in progress, report it by calling 911. Suspicious activity can be reported to police through the non-emergency number: (325) 673-8331. Anonymous tips can be called in to Abilene Crime Stoppers at: (325) 676-TIPS.