(KAIR)--Violent crime is on the rise in Kansas.

That's revealed in a release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, with the 2017 Kansas Crime Index Report showing that violent crime continues to trend upward.

The report compiles crime statistics reported to the KBI by state and local law enforcement agencies across Kansas.

According to the findings, 2017 saw an overall increase of 6.3% in violent crime such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault and battery. In the past three years, Kansas experienced a 23.1% increase in violent crime. The violent crime rate is currently 12.3% above the 10-year average.

Additionally, 176 murders occurred in 2017, which represents an 18.9% increase over the number of murders committed in 2016. The murder rate is the highest in the past 10 years, and 40.8% above the 10-year average.

 The frequency of incidents involving multiple murder victims also increased in 2017, at 21.1%.

The release says “identifying common circumstances in murder cases is difficult” as 21% were reported as unknown, and 21.7% indicated an unknown suspect. Domestic violence murders comprised 22.3% of the total cases, while arguments were reported in 21.7%. Gang activity was a factor in 11.4% of incidents, and drug dealing was a factor in 10.9%.

 In 2017, 1,213 rapes were reported in Kansas, representing a 7.8% increase over 2016. That's a 10.3% above the 10-year average.

Total property crimes declined, with the report showing a decrease of 2.1%

The release notes the statistic do not include “the numerous cyber crimes” that occurred in the state.