The San Diego Police Department is reporting crime is down for the first three months of 2009. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.
The police say overall crime has dropped nearly 17 % compared to the same time last year. Violent crimes including murder and robberies are down about 10 % and property crimes have fallen about 18 %. The department has continued to focus on gang activity. Officer Cesar Solis oversees Operation Party Crashers, which tries to stop gang violence at parties.
“When we were able to identify the location and the party crews and where they were, we would be out there to show a visible presence to make sure the parties went on without any violence,” he says.
Gang related crimes were down nearly 8 %, though attempted homicides and stabbings were up. The police also saw a nearly 9 % increase in rapes for the first quarter of this year.
Katie Orr, KPBS News
