LEDYARD, Conn. (AP) — When the first of two massive casinos opened two decades ago in a remote corner of Connecticut, some officials and residents feared organized crime, prostitution, drunken driving and other crime would follow.
But the crime rate since Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun opened has fallen in the nearby towns compared with the years before, mirroring a drop in crime nationwide. Crime did not decline in some towns near the casinos as much as it did statewide, but local officials acknowledge the worst fears never materialized.
The crimes studied include murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary and thefts.
The crime rate in Montville is down 35 percent since the casinos opened compared with the seven years before. The statewide average fell 36 percent.
Ledyard experienced a 25 percent decline.
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