The 2012 crime statistics report is out from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. 

According to the annual report, Putnam County had the lowest total index crime rate among all counties in New York State for the third year in a row and an index crime rate that has declined each year since 2009. 

Sheriff Donald Smith says the decline is noteworthy considering Putnam County is surrounded by Dutchess, Westchester, Orange and Rockland counties--all of which have been designated by the State as being among 17 counties which account for 80% of the crimes occurring in New York State outside of New York City.