More rapes. More murders. More robberies. A lot more aggravated assaults.

That’s the picture of Lawrence in 2006 as described in data released this week by the FBI.

Lawrence saw an increase in the number of violent crimes reported from 276 in 2005 to 500 in 2006, more than any other city in Kansas except Wichita, Kansas City, Kan., and Topeka, according to the report. Even some more populous cities, such as Overland Park and Olathe, had fewer violent crimes reported.

While a number of cities saw increases in violent crime, Lawrence was the only city with more than 100 cases in both 2005 and 2006 to report an increase in excess of 80 percent. Eleven cities had more than 100 cases in those years. Lawrence saw 81 percent more violent crimes in 2006 than in 2005. The next largest increase in cities meeting that criteria was 36 percent, in Newton.

As of Sept. 15, Lawrence had reported 284 violent crimes in 2007, or a little more than one per day, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. If that pace holds up, Lawrence would see 401 violent crimes this year. Perhaps most noteworthy, however, is that Lawrence has seen no murders in 2007.

The biggest increase in violent crime in Lawrence came in the form of aggravated assaults, up to 370 from 203. Aggravated assault is defined as assault while using a weapon, while disguised or with the intent to commit a felony.

Douglas County, which reports crimes that occur in areas of the county not covered by a municipal police department – Lawrence, Baldwin City and Eudora have police departments – saw an increase in violent crime as well. There were 34 violent crimes reported, up from 19 in 2005. There was one murder and two rapes, up from zero the year before, as well as an increase in aggravated assault.

The Douglas County number is sixth highest among the 14 counties in Kansas the FBI considers metropolitan.

Representatives for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Lawrence Police Department could not comment on the numbers as of Tuesday evening.

Kansas University, which reports its own crime figures, saw no real change in its reports of violent crime.