O.C. Crime Rate Down Overall for 3rd Straight Year

Although violent crime increased slightly, Orange County’s overall crime rate declined by 8.1% in 1994, the third year in a row that crime totals have fallen, according to an annual report released Friday by California Atty. Gen. Daniel E. Lungren.

The overall decrease in the county crime rate mirrored a decline statewide that Lungren attributed in part to California’s new law that sharply increases the punishment for violent offenders convicted of a felony for a third time.

“I think this new crime rate information is further evidence of the public safety firepower of the ‘three strikes and you’re out’ law,” Lungren said at a Los Angeles news conference.

Although the rate of violent crimes, including murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, dropped dramatically in areas such as Los Angeles County, Orange County showed mixed results.

The number of property crimes fell 11.1%, but the violent crime rate rose 2.5%, according to the attorney general’s report. The report shows that the largest county drop came in homicides, which fell 14.6% in 1994 compared with 1993. There were 171 homicides in 1994, compared with 196 in 1993, the report showed.

Robbery also dropped 2.1%, but rape rose 9% and aggravated assault rose 6%, according to the report. The attorney general’s report showed there were 605 rapes in 1994 compared with 546 in 1993, and 7,694 aggravated assaults last year compared with 7,147 in 1993.

The last year the overall crime rate rose was in 1991, when 65,511 major crimes were reported in Orange County. Since then, the numbers have steadily declined to the 57,986 crimes reported in 1994.

Police officials around the county said their departments have also seen declining numbers in recent months, although the violence of some crimes continues to be cause for concern.

In Orange, for instance, Lt. Timm Browne said it appears the city’s overall crime rate is also down, but he senses that violent crimes are not only on the rise, but also becoming much more senseless and vicious.

“The type of crime we are seeing are the crimes that shock the consciousness,” Browne said. “Murder is murder, but now it seems more indiscriminate. I’m talking about the 14-year-old with a gun, the unknown stranger who meets a girl in a nightclub, or the ATM service guard who is brutally murdered.

“Murder will always shock the consciousness, but we seem to be pushing the envelope,” Browne said.

Browne is less enthusiastic about the “three-strikes” law and remains unconvinced of its deterrent powers.

“As an individual, I’m still waiting to see a significant impact,” he said. “I know it’s touted a great deal.”

In Santa Ana, Police Chief Paul M. Walters said his city’s overall crime rate is decreasing for the fourth year in a row, and has dropped 13% in the first six months of this year compared with the same time last year.

He believes the “three-strikes” law has been an important factor in the declining crime rates.

“I think the ‘three-strikes’ law has contributed statewide to the decrease in crime,” Walters said. “It really has sent a message that we’re not going to tolerate crime.”

Walters said a city jail that opened in November, 1993, also contributed to the city’s decrease in crime by cutting down on criminals who pass through the county jail’s revolving door and end up on Santa Ana streets.

Walters said violent crimes have also decreased in Santa Ana, although “we’re seeing more gang incidents.”

Statewide, the crime rate dropped 6.5% overall in the past year, with violent crime declining 6.3%, according to the report.

Lungren said the rate of crime in California has fallen 10.2% during the past three years, figures he called “encouraging” and a “welcome trend.”

“Something very positive is happening here in California, and I don’t think it is a mere coincidence,” Lungren said. “We shouldn’t be afraid to stand up and admit the fact that tough laws, tough penalties, tough judges and ample prison space work.”

John Brimmage, president of the Assn. of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs, said the tougher laws are directly responsible for the reduction in crime.

“That was always the assumption, that heavier penalties will impact crime,” Brimmage said. “Once [criminals] figure out that they can’t get slapped on the wrist anymore, there will not be as many crimes.”

Times staff writers Thao Hua and Lee Romney contributed to this report.

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Crime In Decline

Orange County suffered nearly 7% fewer crimes in 1994 than in 1993. And, the rate per thousand residents declined 8%. Violent crimes increased, while the number of offenses against property declined substantially. Here are the percentage changes in actual number and rate:

Number Rate Total violent crimes 4.1 2.5 Homicide -12.8 -14.6 Rape 10.8 9.0 Robbery -0.6 -2.1 Aggravated assault 7.7 6.0 Total property crimes -9.7 -11.1 Burglary -12.9 -14.2 Motor vehicle theft -5.5 -7.0 Total crimes -6.7 -8.1

County Comparison

Orange County’s change in overall number of crimes and rate compares favorably with most of the six largest counties in Southern California. Only Los Angeles County’s declines were notably larger. Percentage changes:

County Number Rate Los Angeles -10.4 -10.8 Orange -6.7 -8.1 Riverside 1.2 -1.9 San Bernardino -1.2 -3.2 San Diego -6.8 -8.2 Ventura -3.9 -5.3

Source: California Attorney General