Halifax has one of the highest murder rates in the country, according to a new report released Tuesday.

The latest statistics show homicide rates in Halifax are second only to Winnipeg.

Canada's overall police-reported crime rate dropped six per cent in 2011 from the previous year, reflecting the lowest crime figures recorded since the Trudeau era.

Statistics compiled by the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics showed that the crime rate in 2011 was at its lowest level in 39 years.

Halifax's rate could change next time the report is released. Regional police say they've seized significantly more guns off the streets than this time last year, close to 600 guns in total.

Police say they are going after violent criminals and moving to get guns off Halifax streets.

"We feel if we go after them, their associates, anyone that hangs out with those groups, that's going to disrupt their activity," said Const. Brian Palmeter.

"We want them to understand that if they engage in this type of violence, we're going to go after them. We're going to go after the guns, we're going to go after the people. We're doing whatever we can within the confines of the law to get them off the street."

Palmeter says those efforts seem to be paying off. So far homicides are down 30 per cent and attempted murders are down almost 40 per cent so far this year.