When looking at North Canton's crime stats from 2010 and 2011, it's not easy to say whether crime is going up or down.

Because when you look at the numbers, some have only increased or decreased by one or two incidents.

"The crime statistics for the city of North Canton are fairly consistent — for a community of 17,500 — and it's particular set of demographics," North Canton Police Chief Stephan Wilder said. "It is our endeavor to accomplish our mission every day: to provide excellent public safety, to reduce crime and maintain law and order."

Take a look for yourself. Below you'll be able to compare violent and property crimes in the city from year to year.

Cities are not required to report their stats to the FBI. But, the numbers can prove invaluable to some departments.

Wilder said the North Canton Police Department makes use of its statistics yearly. He provided this list of how the department uses the stats:

• to evaluate current crime to past crime in order to detect any patterns
• measure the safety needs of a specific area such as a neighborhood, business area or section of the city
• or, target crimes, crime areas, types, time frames and prevention or solutions
• to provide insight in setting our planning and budgeting priorities 
• they have prompted the North Canton Police Department to increase patrols in specific crime-prone areas.
• what some folks may not think about, these statistics also contribute in influencing families and businesses to stay or relocate to North Canton in hopes of creating more commerce and providing additional jobs in our city