West Covina : Decline in Crimes Reported

Police have reported sharp declines in almost every category of major crime last year, compared to 1986, with significant decreases in the number of violent crimes and burglaries.

In 1987 there were 31 rapes, or 20% less than the year before, and 241 assaults, a 27% decrease from 1986, according to the department’s annual listing of reported crimes. There were 1,150 burglaries, 23% below the year before. But the number of auto thefts increased 16% last year, with 1,145 cars stolen within city limits.

The department’s Special Enforcement Team confiscated a total of $37 million in narcotics and $1.5 million in drug trafficking equipment and arrested 104 suspects. Police Chief Craig Meacham, who presented the statistics to the West Covina City Council last week, said the department expects to reap $2 million in federal funds for its role in the drug arrests.