Preliminary data from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department shows that the region's murder rate has dropped to its lowest levels since 1975.

As of July 31, 2010, criminal homicides have decreased by 21.43 percent (127 homicides vs. 98 for the same period this year) in areas that the Sheriffs patrol. The County's homicide rate has gone down 53.52 percent over the last five years.

The declining County-wide murder rate is partly attributed to falling crime rates in inner-city areas like Compton, Lynwood and Century Station.

According to the Sheriff's Department, reported incidents of violent crimes have also declined 3.76 percent, with serious property crimes also dipping 3.75 percent, compared to last year at this time.