Monrovia : Police Release Crime Report

Reported major crimes last year were at their lowest level in 10 years, according to the Police Department’s annual report.

Among the major crimes, rape was up 7%, assault 23% and auto theft 31%. But homicide, robbery, burglary, theft and arson were all down, police said. Property crimes were 12% below the average for the last 10 years.

Police Chief Bill Tubbs stated in the report that because the courts are imposing relatively lenient sentences for auto theft, it “seems to be replacing burglary as the property crime of choice.”

Burglary, which dropped 30%, is at its lowest point in a decade. Tubbs said residential burglary has been a major focus of his department because it is among the most traumatic of property crimes.

Drug crimes were 50% above the 10-year average, with 424 arrests made in 1988. However, reported incidents were down 16% from 1987.

“Every other priority pales in comparison,” Tubbs said, referring to the department’s emphasis on drug policing.

Fatal and injury traffic accidents were down for the second consecutive year and were also at their lowest level in 10 years.

Tubbs said affirmative action will be a goal this year. One of 56 sworn officers in the department is female.