1. The crime rate rose.
2. The crime rate went up.
3. There was a sharp increase in crime. (sharp = sudden and large)
4. There was a gradual rise in crime.
5. There was a spike in crime. (spike = a sudden increase and then decrease)
6. The crime rate reached its peak. (peak = the highest point)
7. The crime rate plateaued. (plateaued = stayed at the same level)
8. There was a slight decrease in crime.
9. The crime rate dropped.
10. The crime rate plummeted. (= decreased a lot, very quickly)

Fact
The Eisenhower interstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight. These straight sections are useable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies.      .. More >>