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Organization: City of Santa Clarita
Date: August 7, 2008
Major Crime Down Over 16% in Santa Clarita
First Six Months of 2008 Reveal Downward Trend for Part I Crimes
Part I or major crimes in the City of Santa Clarita has decreased over 16% during the first six months of 2008 as compared with the same period last year. Forcible rapes are down 47%; arsons are down 43% and burglaries have been reduced 23% according to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Department.
The City saw a 19% reduction in larceny theft and a 5% reduction in aggravated assaults during the first half of this year. The only categories to show an increase were robbery, which went from 61 in the first six months of 2007 to 66 this year, and grand theft auto which changed to 218 from 200.
"The partnerships that we have forged among City leaders, our residents, the business community and our Sheriff's department are absolutely paying dividends. We are vigilant in our efforts to prevent crime and prosecute criminals," commented Mayor Bob Kellar.
The City of Santa Clarita increased its Sheriff contract this fiscal year, adding two new patrol deputies to its annual contract to help improve responsiveness and further aid in crime prevention efforts. The City also added a commercial vehicle enforcement deputy to help keep local roadways safe from large and potentially unsafe commercial vehicles. The City also credits the City/Sheriff Business Alliance program, which provides response and prevention services to City-based businesses.
Major efforts over the last year include the Sheriff's Department anti-gang program, which targets active gangs and providing swift and aggressive action including probation and parole compliance checks and warrant enforcement operations.
"I am very proud of the work our Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's department is doing here in Santa Clarita. These are some of the most dedicated and motivated men and women I have ever worked with and they are committed to protecting this community," said Captain Anthony LaBerge, of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Department. "I would also highly credit our community partnerships with the reduction in crime in our City," added LaBerge.
