Nation IN BRIEF : NATIONWIDE : Crimes of Violence Jumped 5% in 1989

Violent crime in the United States rose 5% last year, and so-called serious property crime, such as burglary, rose 2%, according to a preliminary report released by the FBI. Overall, the average increase in serious crimes was about the same as the previous year and compared with a 2% rise in 1987, a 6% jump in 1986 and a 5% rise in 1985, the bureau said. Cities with populations of more than 50,000--in which about 80.9 million people live--reported serious crimes up 3% last year. Suburbs and rural areas--home to some 132.2 million people--saw a 2% increase. The figures were compiled from police reports of murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, auto theft and arson.