LOS ANGELES, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck today announced the City’s 2011 year-end crime statistics that showed violent crime and property crime were reduced across Los Angeles for the 9th consecutive year.
“Thanks to the hard work of LAPD officers and our gang reduction efforts, crimes rates in Los Angeles are once again at historic lows,” Mayor Villaraigosa said. “For nearly a decade crime has declined in LA — this speaks to the impact a record number of police officers has had on our City. In 2012, I remain committed to keeping public safety our top priority and ensuring that our communities continue to enjoy the safety they deserve.”
In 2011, the total number of citywide Part 1 crimes was 104,215—a decrease of 5.8%. Citywide violent crime was down 7.3% while property crime was down 5.5%.
“For the 9th consecutive year, the officers of the LAPD and the community have worked together to reduce crime in Los Angeles,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck. “This year’s reduction, 5.8%, is even more remarkable because it was achieved despite the continued fiscal challenges facing the City.”
Complementing the City’s police force, the Mayor’s office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development has targeted gang intervention and prevention efforts where they are needed most—in the areas of highest gang crime. Overall gang crime dropped 15.2% which represents a reduction of nearly 843 gang crimes last year. The LAPD also reported a 9.4% reduction in gang-related shots fired.
In 2011, the Los Angeles Fire Department continued to serve Angelenos by transporting approximately 500 individuals to local hospitals and responding to nearly 1,000 emergency incidents per day. Los Angeles has the lowest fire fatality rate for any large city and the LAFD averaged 48% below national fire loss levels.
”With over 350,000 calls for service in 2011, the Los Angeles Fire Department is there when you need us,” said Los Angeles Fire Chief Brian Cummings.
Also present at the press conference were federal officials from the United States Department of State and the United States Marshal Service who were instrumental in helping the Arson Task Force apprehend the suspected arsonist responsible for the recent string of arson fires.
At LAX, the total number of reported crimes dropped 27% to 1,612 in 2011 from 2,220 in 2010. Major crime decreased by 29% to 508 incidents in 2011 from 715 incidents in 2010. Reports of Part 1 Property Crime, the more common type of crime that affects the quality of passengers’ experiences at LAX, decreased 29 percent to 503 incidents in 2011 compared to 710 in 2010.
“LAX is one of the safest, high-density and high-traffic areas in the City of Los Angeles,” said Los Angeles Airport Police Chief George Centeno. “The total number of crimes is remarkably low, given the over 250,000 people – travelers, visitors and workers – come to LAX every day. The 2011 crime statistics are a direct testament to the dedicated hard work provided by every sworn police officer and civilian employee.
The City of Los Angeles continues to experience reductions in crime due in part to an expanded police force, more targeted police strategies, community policing, improved enforcement tactics, as well as the implementation of the City’s comprehensive gang initiatives.
