Tough times often breed crime and the current economic crisis may not be much different than others in the past. Only the crimes change.

Franklin, Butler and Lorain counties had the most identity crime arrests over the last 18 months according to new statistics released by the Patrol today. Troopers made 267 identity crime arrests statewide from January 2008 through June 2009.

Marion and Crawford Counties each had one such arrest during the time frame.

Of the total 267 identity crime arrests throughout the state of Ohio, 134 were for identity fraud, 102 were for falsification and 46 arrests were for forgery. Nearly half of all the arrests involved suspects with suspended licenses, 54 involved impaired motorists, 24 included drug arrests and 19 involved motor vehicle crashes.

Through June of this year, identity crime arrests have increased eight percent from the same period in 2008.

Felony arrests during the same time period are up over 19% throughout the state.

The largest jump is in felony drug cases, which have resulted in 73 arrests in Marion County. Wyandot County has had 19 and Crawford County has 10.

Morrow County, which contains I-71, has 151.