Major Crimes Decline in Number for Third Straight Year
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The number of major crimes reported in the city in 1996 fell for the third consecutive year, according to statistics released this week by the Police Department.
Major crimes, including homicide, robbery and auto theft, dipped 5% last year after dropping 12% in 1995.
The number of burglaries reported last year was the lowest in the last 20 years, Police Chief Jim Spreine said Thursday.
Spreine credited the reductions to increased policing efforts, including beach and downtown bicycle patrols, and Neighborhood Watch programs.
The high-visibility police programs also were credited with causing a “dramatic decrease” in the number of out-of-town gang members who visited city beaches.
There were no murders in Laguna Beach in 1996 and there were no “high-risk” sexual offenders registered locally, the annual report said.
(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)
Safer Streets
Crimes, including homicide, robbery and auto theft, decreased last year in Laguna Beach. A closer look:
Year: Total
1992: 1,399
1996: 1,127
Source: Laguna Beach Police Department
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