OLYMPIA, Wash. – The latest annual Crime in Washington report for 2022 reveals a state-wide increase in crime amid a shortage of law enforcement officers.

The report, written by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, found that last year had the highest number of murders on record with 394.

Murders increased by nearly 17% over 2021 and by 96% since 2019, according to the report.

Motor vehicle theft rose by 34% over the previous year.

The report notes that Washington has the fewest number of officers per thousand residents of any state in the country including Washington D.C.

That number has declined every year since 2019.