Violent and property crimes declined 5% in Newport Beach last year, data show

Reports of violent and property crimes declined in Newport Beach in 2017 compared with the year before, according to data compiled by the Police Department.

The incidents, defined by the FBI as “Part 1” crimes, dropped by about 5% in Newport, which has a population of nearly 87,000. In 2016, the city saw a 2% overall increase in Part 1 incidents, driven mostly by a small jump in property crimes, data show.

Violent crimes — homicide, rape, robbery and assault likely to cause serious injury — fell 5% last year, driven by a reduction in rapes and homicides.

There were 27 reports of rape (seven fewer than the previous year). The city had no homicides in 2017 after having one in 2016 and two in 2015, according to the department.

Twenty-six aggravated assaults were reported in both 2016 and 2017.

Last year’s 21 reported robberies were four more than in 2016.

The vast majority of Newport’s Part 1 incidents last year were, as is typical, property crimes, which include burglary, theft, auto theft and arson. Reports of those crimes also dropped about 5% overall.

There were 362 burglaries (75 fewer than in 2016), 1,631 thefts (a decline of 13) and 133 auto thefts (a drop of 30).

Reports of arson increased by two last year, reaching six, data show.

Newport Beach police officials study crime statistics monthly in an effort to see trends and better understand where to focus policing efforts. The department also has boosted its educational programs in recent years to encourage residents and visitors to lock their doors and secure their valuables to help deter theft.

“Our crimefighting efforts are enhanced through partnership with our residents and businesses, innovative educational efforts and just good police work by our officers,” Police Chief Jon Lewis said in a statement.

hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN