Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Overall Crime Down in San Diego in 2008

The San Diego Police Department today came out with its crime statistics for 2008. In general crime was down, but there were a few areas of concern. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

Overall Crime Down in San Diego in 2008

The San Diego Police Department today came out with its crime statistics for 2008 . In general crime was down, but there were a few areas of concern. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.

 The overall crime rate decreased about eight percent compared to 2007. The police department reports there were fewer murders, robberies and assaults in 2008. But rapes increased 27 percent and the number of crimes related to gangs rose about eight percent. Police Chief William Lansdowne says combating gangs will be a focus for the force this year.

Advertisement

Lansdowne: Gangs are a cancer to ever city in America today. And they need our attention. And looking at them in a task force concept, utilizing the services of the district attorney’s office, the city attorney’s office and certainly the federal authorities and the FBI, we’ll be able to bring those numbers down again.

The statistics do show homicides and drive- by shootings related to gangs dropped in 2008. Arrests of gang members were up nearly five percent.

Katie Orr, KPBS News

A big decision awaits some voters this July as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.