2023 1st Quarter Crime Statistics
May 25, 2023 3:38 PM
by Erika Aklufi, Myesha Morrison
Transparency is at the core of our values at the
Santa Monica Police Department. We are equally
as committed to openness and accountability. This review provides a
comprehensive look at crime in Santa Monica during the first quarter of 2023
and compares that data to the first quarter each of the previous four
years.
SMPD received 22,825 calls for service
during the 1st quarter of 2023, a decrease in 1,683 calls (7%) from
1st quarter 2022.
Officers arrested 662 individuals, an
increase of over 259 from the same time in 2022 (403 vs 662).
Part I offenses, which include homicide, rape,
robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, grand theft auto and arson,
showed an increase of 149 crimes (14%), compared to the same timeframe
in 2022. Notable changes include a decrease in incidents of aggravated
assault, grand theft and arson; and an increase in larceny and burglary.
Part II offenses demonstrated an increase
in 119 crimes (19%) in reported incidents. Part II crimes include
simple assault, DUIs, fraud, vandalism, narcotics, etc.
SMPD's Crime Analysts conducted a review and
analysis of the reported information. It is important to note, this is
preliminary data used to inform the public. Information is extracted by the
occurrence date and may change after review and investigation. The information
obtained by our analysts gives our department the opportunity to strategically
plan how we efficiently and effectively protect our city.
Although
the focus of this report is data, we remain sensitive to and respectful of the
experiences of our residents, businesses, and visitors, none of which can be captured
by statistics. Our response to
issues of crime and disorder takes into account the experience of our residents,
business owners, employees, and visitors—you are and will always be the top
priority at SMPD.
Summary of notable changes in Part I criminal
behavior:
Aggravated Assault: In comparing 1st
quarter 2023 and the 1st quarter of 2022, aggravated assaults decreased from
82 incidents to 73 (- 11%).
- 38 of the reported incidents resulted in arrests (52%).
- Fourteen incidents (19%) involved domestic violence. For information on getting help, identifying abuse or making a plan for safety, please visit https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/.
Burglary: Residential and non-residential
burglaries were up 17 incidents (163 vs 180).
- Notably, 40% of residential incidents involved garages/carports and 31% involved apartment lobbies and storage areas.
- Residents are encouraged to contact their Crime Prevention Coordinator to request a free home security assessment.
Larceny: There was an overall increase in larcenies, compared to 2022; from 580 to 735. This category accounts for the great increase in Part I Crime.
- There were 180 incidents of auto parts theft with catalytic converters accounting for 81% of reports.
- The Toyota Prius remaining the most targeted vehicle type.
- Shoplifting accounted for 153 larceny incidents.
- Sixty-two incidents (40%) results in an arrest.
- Nordstrom continues to report the largest number of shoplifting incidents followed by TJ Maxx.
- In the category of Burglary Theft from Motor Vehicles there were 167 incidents. This is a decrease of 23 incidents over 1st quarter 2022.
- Pickpocketing Thefts showed an increase in first quarter 2023 compared to the same time last year with a total of 35 incidents versus 7 in 2022. The majority of incidents involved cell phones taken from victims at local bars. Three suspects were arrested in connection to several incidents were over 25 phones were stolen.
Grand Theft Auto: 110 vehicle thefts were reported in the first quarter of 2023 with 135 during the same time period in 2022. Sixty-eight vehicles (62%) were recovered.
Robbery: In the category of robbery, there
was an increase in 8 incidents over the 1st quarter of 2023 in
comparison to 2022 (47 vs 39 incidents).
- The use of firearms in the
commission of these crimes was down by 2 incidents.
- Twenty-six incidents (55%) resulted
in an arrest.
- Eleven robberies were categorized as
Estes meaning an employee or loss prevention personnel followed after a shoplifter, and
the suspect used force or threats of force to
avoid apprehension and get away with stolen merchandise.
Rape: While eight incidents were reported
during the first quarter of 2022, there were 13 during the same period in 2023,
an increase of 5 incidents.
Arson: The number of incidents in the category of arson declined from 21 to 19 incidents. Approximately 68% of reported incidents involved city-owned trash and recycling containers.
Part II
Crimes – 1st Quarter of 2023
In 2019,
there were 1062 reported Part II crimes during the first quarter. This dropped
to a five-year low in 2021 with 566 incidents. In 2023, there were 756 reported
Part II Crimes.
- Simple Assault: Incidents of simple assault returned to 2019 levels with 174 reported incidents during the 1st quarter of 2023.
- Incidents of Vandalism dropped to 175 after peaking in 2022 with 182 incidents.
- Narcotics Possession: Incidents of narcotics possession, considered a pro-active arrest category increased from 27 to 58.
The Santa Monica Police Department is an organization that works within the principles of democracy and constitutional policing. We are dedicated to our work in conjunction with our civic and community partners to solve problems and make our city a safe and great place to live, work and visit. For more information on starting a Neighborhood Watch, requesting a security assessment, or to reach your Neighborhood Resource Officer, please contact the Community Affairs Unit at (310) 458-8474 (Community.Affairs@santamonica.gov).
And, as always, if You See Something, Say Something! Dial/Text 9-1-1 for emergencies or (310) 458-8491 to reach our 24/7 Non-Emergency Dispatcher.
Authored By
Erika Aklufi
Lieutenant
Myesha Morrison
Public Information Coordinator