Salem’s violent crime rate has been climbing for 15 years, police data shows

The rate of violent crimes reported in Salem has been on the rise over the past 15 years, more recently skyrocketing as police officials say they’re turning their attention to serious crimes against people.

The city’s violent crime rate last year was up 42% from 2008, when there were 338 reports per 100,000 residents of homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault. That rate has climbed to 480, according to newly released datafrom the Salem…