![]() Jeri Williams Chief of Police |
Oxnard Police Department
R. Jason Benites Scott Whitney |
OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE
INCIDENT: | Oxnard shows an increase 2013 FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data |
DATE/TIME: | AY 2013 |
LOCATION: | Citywide |
PREPARED BY: | Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager |
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO: |
Commander Mike Adair [email protected] (805) 385-7801 |
DETAILS: The FBI gathers crime statistics from law enforcement agencies each year as part of their Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. The UCR Program collects data on four violent crimes and four property crimes. The purpose of the program is to generate a reliable set of crime statistics for use by law enforcement. The Oxnard Police Department is a participating UCR agency and believes it is important to share the crime data with our residents.
The City of Oxnard experienced an increase in reported crime in 2013. Reported crime began to rise in 2012 and has continued on this trend through 2013. In response, the Oxnard Police Department has launched a new umbrella initiative, Operation Safer and Stronger aimed to further inform, engage, and empower Oxnard residents to be partners in public safety.
The UCR crime categories and the reported crime data for 2012 and 2013 are listed below.
Part I Crimes |
2012 |
2013 |
Numerical Difference |
Violent Crimes | |||
Homicide | 9 | 15 | 6 |
Rape | 8 | 10 | 2 |
Robbery | 304 | 328 | 24 |
Aggravated Assault | 282 | 298 | 16 |
Total | 603 | 651 | 48 |
Property Crimes | |||
Burglary | 848 | 974 | 126 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 546 | 664 | 118 |
Larceny (Theft) | 2,677 | 3,436 | 759 |
Arson | 40 | 36 | -4 |
Total | 4,111 | 5,110 | 999 |
Grand Total | 4,714 | 5,761 | 1,047 |
Under the categories of Violent Crimes, there was a 5.7% increase in aggravated assaults. “We’re never satisfied with crime increases, but it’s important to keep the numbers in perspective. Oxnard experienced a 20-year decline in violent crime, up to 2013. The number of reported aggravated assaults in 2013 is still below the 10-year average of 337,” said Assistant Chief Scott Whitney.
The city also experienced 15 homicides in 2013. This compares to nine homicides in 2012 and a 10-year average of 13. There were two more reported rapes in 2013 than in 2012 and a 7.9% increase in robberies.
Property crimes had the biggest category increase, with reported larcenies (thefts) up nearly 29% in 2013, as compared to 2012.
For reporting purposes, the crime category of theft is divided into eight classifications: Bicycles, Coin-Operated Devices, From Building, From Motor Vehicle, Purse-Snatch/Pick Pocket, Shoplift, Vehicle Parts, and All Other. Listed below is a comparison by type of theft from 2012 to 2013, January through June.
Category | 2012 | 2013 | Numerical Difference | Percent Change |
All Other | 411 | 499 | 88 | 21.4% |
Bicycles | 176 | 129 | -47 | -26.7% |
Coin-Operated Devices | 17 | 6 | -11 | -64.7% |
From Building | 186 | 131 | -55 | -29.6% |
From Motor Vehicle | 892 | 1,307 | 415 | 46.5% |
Purse Snatch/Pocket Pick | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0.0% |
Shoplift | 747 | 926 | 179 | 24.0% |
Vehicle Parts | 245 | 435 | 190 | 77.6% |
Total | 2,677 | 3,436 | 759 | 28.4% |
Burglaries (residential and commercial) increased by 14.9%, 126 additional crimes. Residential burglaries increased by 14.2%, 89 additional crimes and commercial burglaries increased by 16.2%, 37 additional crimes.
Motor vehicle theft increased by 21.6%, 118 additional crimes. Passenger vehicles manufactured by Honda and Toyota continue to be targeted.
As a part of Operation Safer and Stronger, the Oxnard Police Crime Prevention Unit will examine trends citywide and offer crime prevention tips to help people reduce the likelihood of becoming a victims. “In addition, we have also launched a bi-monthly crime prevention seminar series that we hope will continue to bring concerned and committed neighbors together,” Williams added.
“The Oxnard Police Department encourages community members to remain vigilant, secure property, and report any suspicious activity. Too often, people see or hear something in the moments or days leading up to a crime, and do not report it to the police. Much of the increase in property crime can be prevented by not leaving valuables visible in your vehicle, and securing our car and home doors and windows when one is not home, no matter for how long.” said Williams. “Working together and having a more engaged community will make us all safer and stronger.” Williams added.