Knoxville (WVLT) - Now to the double-digit-decrease in property crimes across Knoxville. Police say so far this year overall crimes, like theft, have dropped more than 14%

Do police expect them to keep falling? Hard to tell. When the economy slumps, it's not unusual for property crimes to increase, but police say Knoxville lags behind bigger cities when it comes fluctuations in crime because of the economy. Police say so far this year, their efforts to cuff criminals have worked.

Janine Davidson doesn't take any chances.

"I hope I'm not a victim of crime. If I am, it'll be because it's meant to be, not because I'm not careful," Davidson said.

She double checks her car locks and keeps her purse on and in front of her...always. It's lesson learned.

"About five years ago some lady got my attention, and evidently stole my pocketbook because I ended up without it," Davidson said.

Luckily, she got the pocketbook back...minus some cash.

"You're more likely to be a victim of property crime instead of violent crime," Knoxville Police spokesman Darrell DeBusk said.

But your odds of getting ripped off like Davidson have dropped so far this year. Knoxville Police says overall property crimes are down 14.7%. That's as of June. Shoplifting has dropped the most, followed by auto thefts, and then burglaries. Police give investigators and the Repeat Offender Squad credit.

"When we make a successful arrest on repeat offenders, we get them off the street for longer periods of time, which helps decrease the crime rate," DeBusk said.

A crime rate that increased last year. Police say crooks committed more than 17,500 property crimes in 2007. That's two thousand more than the previous year.

"It goes up and down. I really does. You may have a slight increase one year, a slight decrease next year. That's the way it is with all crime," DeBusk said.

Police say thieves still attack where they can get the most action. That means parking lots across the city.

In 2007, DeBusk says, "We saw an increase in the North Knoxville area. This year, we can't really say we'll see that pattern continue."

Most thefts are crimes of opportunity, like leaving a bag visible in your car. Police say Davidson has the right idea...never give thieves the chance.

Stats also show a property crime increase in Knox County. The TBI reports criminals struck nearly 7,800 times in 2007. That's about a 6% e from the previous year. We tried to get this year's numbers from the sheriff's office, but our calls weren't returned.

Police say the best way to keep crime out of your neighborhood is form a neighborhood. Also, call police if you see anything suspicious.