Homicides, Auto Theft Set Pace for 5th Straight Rise in S.D. Crime Rate

With homicides and auto theft climbing sharply, San Diego’s crime rate rose for the fifth straight year in 1988, police officials said Wednesday.

They blamed the increase on the proliferation of drugs and gangs, as well as a crowded county jail system that turns too many criminals loose.

In the seven major violent and property-crime categories, the rate for 1988 was up 5.9% for every 1,000 residents.

The largest increases were in homicides, up 50% over 1987, and in auto theft, up 32.9%. Aggravated assaults rose 5.4%.

Decrease in Rape Rate

On a brighter side, police report ed that the crime rate for rapes and robberies dropped in 1988, and they pointed out that burglary only increased by 1%.

“Crime is continuing to increase, for the fifth year in a row,” Police Chief Bob Burgreen announced in a report to the City Council’s Public Services and Safety Committee.

“The primary reason for the increase in homicide and assault is drug use and sales. The demand for drugs results in a criminal underground economy with drug dealing by organized gangs, increased use of weapons and territorial battles marked by drive-by shootings.”

Describing drive-by shootings as “a major problem in San Diego,” Burgreen said there were 96 such assaults last year, resulting in eight deaths and 54 injuries.

Blamed Drug Dealers

The police chief laid most of the blame for the overall increase in crime at the feet of drug dealers. He said studies at the county jails show that more than 80% of suspects test positive for drugs, regardless of why they are booked into jail.

With more than $53 million in property, excluding vehicles, being stolen in San Diego last year, the chief said: “Most property crimes are committed to finance drug habits.”

Burgreen also reported increases in gang activity. He said there are 2,039 documented gang members in San Diego, “and the Gang Suppression Unit is documenting new members daily.”

He said the Narcotics Task Force made 945 arrests, closed 112 illegal drug labs and seized more than $14.8 million in assets.

114 Arrest Warrants

Burgreen said the companion unit, the Narcotics Street Team, recently completed a buy-bust program resulting in 114 arrest warrants and made a single seizure of more than 1,900 pounds of cocaine at the international border.

Another reason for the increase in crime, he said, is that “jail overcrowding continues to hamper all department law-enforcement efforts.”

He said the jails only accept felony suspects and a few other specialized categories, such as domestic violence and drunk drivers. “All other suspects,” he said, “are cited or released.”

81,000 Suspects Released

He said only 12% of all suspects are booked into jail, which he said meant that 81,000 criminal suspects were released by officers and 33,700 were released by the jail.

The chief said auto theft is up about 30% annually since 1985, and that other cities such as La Mesa, El Cajon and Carlsbad are experiencing the same kinds of problems.

He said vehicles are stolen for use in other crimes--by professional auto thieves who sell or dismantle the vehicles for parts, to transport undocumented aliens and simply for joy riding. He suggested that motorists install security systems in their vehicles, install a hidden kill switch, lock the steering wheel or use a lockable cover if the car is parked on the street.

MAJOR CRIMES IN SAN DIEGO, 1987-88

1987 1988 % Change Homicide 96 144 50.0 Rape 410 389 -5.1 Robbery 3,452 3,204 -7.2 Aggravated Assault 5,154 5,434 5.4 Burglary 17,370 17,536 1.0 Theft 43,590 45,923 5.4 Motor Vehicle Theft 18,155 24,126 32.9 TOTAL 88,227 96,756 9.7 Crime Rate 8,629 9,139 5.9 (per 100,000)