Crime is up citywide for the first time in more than a decade, according to statistics released on Monday by the Los Angeles Police Department and Mayor Eric Garcetti.

Overall violent crimes increased 14.3 percent in 2014, largely because of a 28.3 percent rise in aggravated assaults. Homicides were also slightly up citywide, with 260 compared to 251 in 2013 — a 3.6 percent increase. There were 7,924 robberies recorded citywide in 2014 compared to 7,885 the previous year, resulting in a .5  percent increase.

Authorities explained that the increase in violent crime can be attributed in part to the way assaults are classified in statistical reporting. The LAPD previously erroneously classified an undetermined number of aggravated assaults — which are incidents in which a weapon is used or a victim is seriously injured  — as minor assaults. The addition of those crimes contributed to the increase this year, according to the LAPD.

A larger percentage of domestic violence incidents also fell into that category, also contributing to the increase.

Property crimes decreased by 4.6 percent citywide last year, with burglary down 5.6 percent and motor vehicle theft down 2.8 percent. Larceny statistics also decreased by 4.5 percent.

In contrast to the citywide numbers, overall crime was down 3.4 percent at the Wilshire Division, although there was an increase in some violent crimes. Eight homicides were recorded in the Wilshire area in 2014, compared to six the previous year. Robberies decreased by 34.4 percent in 2014 in the Wilshire Division.

Capt. Howard Leslie, commanding officer for the Wilshire Division, said he is focused on reducing the crime rates further, particularly with violent crimes. He said the classification of more domestic violence incidents as aggravated assaults was a contributing factor to the increase in the Wilshire area.

“I want to reduce violent crime as much as we can,” Leslie said. “But it’s not like I can throw extra cars in a neighborhood and make domestic violence go down. Anytime there is a crime in a home that rises to the level of an assault, we make sure call them back or an officer emails them information on counseling for domestic violence. We are trying to de-escalate the situation before it becomes a felony.”

he city is also initiating a citywide expansion of teams that will be stationed at all police divisions and will respond to incidents of domestic violence.

Leslie added that property crimes were down locally in 2014. The Wilshire Division has perennially experienced problems with property crimes due to the large number of malls, shopping centers and businesses. The captain said police have been proactive in property crime prevention, and burglaries were down 1.2 percent, from 852 in 2013 to 842 in 2014. Auto thefts were down 11 percent, vehicle burglaries were down 3.1 percent and thefts of personal property were down 9.8 percent.

Leslie said there are some areas in the division, such as the Melrose District, where he will be focusing resources to prevent robberies and other crimes. In addition to more police presence, he hopes to better inform people about crime, which will make them more aware about protecting themselves.

He encouraged people to visit the Wilshire Division’s website at www.lapdwilshire.com for information on how to sign up for the division’s Facebook page and Twitter feed. Leslie added that he hopes to initiate an online forum this year via www.nextdoor.com in which residents can communicate with each other and the police, which will improve the real-time dissemination of information.

“We want to reach out to as many people as possible,” Leslie added.