Riverside County Violent Crime Rate Drops 13 Percent
California’s violent crime rate dropped 6.6-percent in 2009, according to numbers released by the state Attorney General’s Office on Friday.
“Crime in California 2009 – Advance Release” is compiled by the California Department of Justice based on data reported by police and sheriff’s departments in all of California’s 58 counties.
Attorney General Jerry Brown released the report showing the 2009 figures for violent crimes, such as hommicides, robberies, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
He says 2009 showed the third year in a row that violent crime dropped in the state, with 20,000 fewer acts committed in 2009 than 2006.
“This latest drop in crime,” Brown said, “is good news for Californians and reflects well on the dedicated and courageous efforts of peace officers throughout the state. 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.”
The biggest drop happened here in Riverside County. Violent crime was down 13.4-percent from 2008. Property crime was down 12.4-percent, and larceny and theft was down 11-percent.
Desert Hot Springs resident Stacey Dillard says more people are willing to work with police and call in crime.
“It’s helped them. They’re calling in more often. They’re giving them tips. They’re letting them know. Because we wanna be safe, ok, so if they put the information out there, we’re here to help,” said Dillard.
Click here to see all of the new crime report.
