In 2009, there were 86 robberies reported in Lawrence, a 23 percent increase from 2008 and the most in the city in more than a decade.

An analysis of reported robberies for the first four months of 2010 shows a decrease from the 2009 numbers.

Between Jan. 1 and the end of April, there have been 21 robberies reported to Lawrence police, and none reported on Kansas University’s campus. Those early numbers put the city on pace for 63 in 2010, a 27 percent decrease from 2009 and slightly less than 2007 and 2008.

While there are fewer robberies occurring, statistics show an increased use of weapons in such crimes continues.

A Journal-World analysis of Lawrence robberies published on Feb. 14 showed that more robberies are being committed using guns.

In 2009, 27 reported robberies involved guns, compared with 11 in 2008 and 16 in 2007.

Of the 21 robberies reported in the first four months of 2010, seven involved guns, putting the numbers on pace to again exceed 2007 and 2008.