Violent Crime Increases in Inglewood, Torrance

The number of violent crimes in Inglewood and Torrance increased during the first six months of 1990 compared to the same period last year, according to preliminary figures released Friday by the state Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Statistics.

The figures indicated that statewide, cities with a population of 100,000 or more averaged a 16.2% increase in the number of robberies, a 9.6% jump in homicides, a 7.6% increase in rape, a 4.9% increase in aggravated assaults and a 3% increase in motor vehicle thefts.

The most prevalent crime, burglary, decreased 4.2% to 114,685, according to the statewide survey.

The numbers are not adjusted for population changes, and therefore do not indicate actual crime rates. If population figures--which generally increased--are taken into account, the increase in percentages would be smaller. The figures include totals from 52 of the state’s 54 largest cities.

In Inglewood, homicides increased from 28 to 33, and rapes increased from 34 to 53. Robberies rose from 549 to 711, and aggravated assaults jumped from 438 to 471, according to the figures.

As for property crimes in Inglewood, burglaries increased from 808 to 911, and vehicle thefts decreased from 1,136 to 962.

In Torrance, the increase in violent crime can be attributed solely to a 27.5% increase in aggravated assaults, which went from 182 to 232. Homicides decreased from four to one, rapes decreased from 15 to 14, and robberies decreased from 198 to 197.

Burglaries in Torrance decreased from 751 to 730, and vehicle thefts increased from 675 to 727.