How does the Baltimore article regarding sexual assault investigations highlight why crime statistics may be flawed?

Read the following articles: 1) http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-md-ci-rapes-20100519-story.html 2)http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-rape-cases-update-20101201-story.html 1. How does the Baltimore article regarding sexual assault investigations highlight why crime statistics may be flawed? 2. What motivations may cause crime stats to be inflated or lowered? 3. Why are crime stats important?