Crime Rates Down in Los Angeles, But High Crime Season is Coming

So far this year, criminal activity in Los Angeles is down compared to 2010. But with summer coming, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck is aware that the area’s “high crime season” is fast approaching. (Who knew crime has a season? The bail business is not at all seasonal.)

Beck announced during the “monthly media availability” on Thursday that homicides were down almost 8.5 percent this year, which are he best numbers the city has seen in over forty years. Every other type of violent crime and property crimes have also decreased by 10 percent when compared to last year. Gang-related crimes are also down 20 percent so far this year.

Beck also stated, “It’s important to recognize that these gains are fragile. We are coming up on our high crime season and it’s not going to be just about police officers, it’s going to be about the public, and they’re working with the police in keeping themselves safe.”

Chief Beck is encouraging the public to learn more about the city’s Summer Safety Program, which aims to make the public parks safe and more accessible during the summer. Special exhibits will be organized by LAPD during the second annual LAPD vs LAFD basketball game at Galen Center.

“It is my goal to continue the crime numbers to keep this city safe, but I can only do it with your help,” Beck said.
There is also a new online system which monitors citywide crime that was introduced to the public on May 13, called CrimeMapping.com. This can be accessed through the LAPD website. With over 13,000 hits on the first day, Beck said it’s “a good indication that the public is interested in crime in their neighborhoods and that we’re able to produce it.”

Source: Thank you Eagle Rock Patch for the story and thanks for the twitter follow!

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