While there was a slight rise in violent crime in San Benito
County last year, nearly all other types of crimes saw a decrease
locally, according to statistics recently released by the
California Department of Justice.
While there was a slight rise in violent crime in San Benito County last year, nearly all other types of crimes saw a decrease locally, according to statistics recently released by the California Department of Justice.
The number of violent crimes in the county rose from 243 in 2008 to 246 in 2009, a 1.2 percent jump. However, the number of homicides, rapes, aggravated assaults, property crimes and arsons all dropped year-to-year.
“The latest drop in crime is good news for Californians and reflects well on the dedicated and courageous efforts of peace officers throughout the state,” California Attorney General Jerry Brown said in a statement. “Yet it is no cause for complacency. Crime remains a serious problem in California, and law enforcement officials at every level must redouble their efforts to ensure public safety.”
There were no homicides in San Benito County in 2009, compared to three the year before. There were half as many forcible rapes – 9 instead of 20 – and 4.2 percent fewer aggravated assaults, according to the state-provided statistics.
The number of robberies in the county jumped from 29 to 54 over the past year, but the number of property crimes fell 11 percent last year, with burglaries, motor vehicle thefts and larceny over $400 all falling by 10 percent or more.
Hollister Police Chief Jeff Miller said identifying one specific reason for a falling crime rate is difficult, though he said deployment and enforcement strategies have likely made an impact.
See the full story in the Pinnacle on Friday.
