Motor Vehicle Theft Declines in California

California Attorney General Bill Lockyer has released the Department of Justice’s “Crime in 2006, January Through June” preliminary report showing property crime decreased by 2.8 percent compared to the same period in 2005, while violent crime increased by 4.1 percent for California’s most heavily populated areas.

“It is positive to see property crimes declining after several years of steady increases largely due to frequent spikes in motor vehicle theft,” Lockyer said. “Although violent crime remains at its lowest level in decades, even a small increase is a matter of great concern. I know our largest cities and counties will work diligently to reverse this new development.”

Lockyer noted that his office will continue their efforts with local law enforcement agencies throughout the state and work cooperatively with schools and communities to keep California communities safe.

The report shows all three of the property crime categories decreased. Burglary decreased 2.1 percent, motor vehicle theft decreased four percent and larceny-theft over $400 decreased by 1.9 percent. The report also shows larceny-theft, involving property valued at $400 and under, decreased 6.9 percent, while arson increased by five percent. However, all violent crime categories increased except aggravated assault, which decreased by two percent. Homicides increased by 4.5 percent, forcible rape increased by 4.3 percent and robbery increased 14.5 percent.

This report compares preliminary crime data from January through June 2006 with reported final counts for the same period in 2005 for law enforcement jurisdictions in California serving populations of 100,000 or more. The 82 jurisdictions which met this criteria in 2006 include cities and unincorporated areas of counties and account for approximately 65 percent of the crimes reported statewide. Crime rates are not calculated in this report.

The report, “Crime in 2006, January Through June,” is available on the Attorney General’s Web site at http://ag.ca.gov/cjsc/publications/preliminarys/jj06/jj06.pdf .

Source: AG