cocealed carry does not reduce crime... if it did alaska would not lead the nation in sexual assult per captia. by twice the next highest state. ( FBI numbers) AK is also for the most part a "dry state" so by the logic used that CCW reduce crime, the lack of booze cuases rapes. Now that might be the case, but i'd bet it has to do with other factors... can't prove it either way.
when it comes to stats, your best not to bring them up at all. the only thing that most of the "statisics community" agrees on is that over all guns play no roll in crime stats. Yes, there are a few that say other wise( both sides), but those that do have either recanted ( lott) have been prove to be false, or use bad data/ data gathering pracitces.
Take the fear away from guns thru education is what works.
FBI crime statistics show a steady drop in the national violent crime rates over the past several years, over that same period all but 2 states that previously did not have concealed carry legislation have passed it, with the exception of Alaskas sexual assault stats , which are of cultural roots, the states with the lowest crime rates have the least restrictive gun laws, LA, NY or Chicago have more murders per day than the annual total for Maine, NH and Vermont combined, Me. and NH are extremely UNrestrictive with easy to obtain concealed carry permits, the burden is on the issuing authority to find a reason not to issue, Vt. doesn't bother, if you can own, you can carry concealed, none regulate open carry at all.