Violent crime rate rises in California in 2005

modbee ^ | 4-27-06

[LouAvul]

The number of violent crimes in California increased by 3.2 percent last year, according to preliminary figures released Wednesday by the state Department of Justice.

There was a 4.4 percent increase in homicides in 2005 compared to 2004, a 5.2 percent increase in robberies, and 2.6 percent increase in aggravated assaults, according to the preliminary report. Rapes decreased by 2.5 percent.

This was the first time the state recorded an increase in violent crimes since 2001, when the rate rose by 1.7 percent.

"Although crime levels remain at their lowest levels in years, we cannot ignore these small increases in crime," Attorney General Bill Lockyer said.

"I am convinced that criminal street gangs and the prevalence of methamphetamine are two of the primary factors behind this recent uptick in crime. In order to further improve public safety, we need to continue to focus our attention and resources on the root causes of our crime problem."

The state also experienced a 2 percent increase in property crime, which includes burglary, vehicle thefts and larceny thefts, the report said.

[LouAvul]

No, this can't be. Kalifornicate has some of the toughest gun laws in the nation. No AWs. Mag cap is ten. Precious few CCWs.

Maybe if more people were packing..........?

[Tzimisce]

Don't worry! More gun control is on the way and San Francisco is leading the charge...

[ncountylee]

CCW in Orange County seems to depend on political contributions to the sheriff. Would guess about $2,500 or so would be minimum. Called the sheriff's auxiliary.

[martin_fierro]

Related story:

Fremont burglary rise since police ("We-Don't-Respond-to-Just-Any-House-Burglar-") alarm policy implemented

[goldstategop]

"Root causes" of crime... ah, the two magic words invoked by liberals as the catch-all excuse to avoid tough punishment for criminals. After all, the Democratic Party does need the felon vote these days.

(Denny Crane: "Every one should carry a gun strapped to their waist. We need more - not less guns.")

[KneelBeforeZod]

yup, and a republican president has secured our borders and shrunk government

[Carry_Okie]

"In order to further improve public safety, we need to continue to focus our attention and resources on the root causes of our crime problem."

Liberalism?

[DumpsterDiver]

"In order to further improve public safety, we need to continue to focus our attention and resources on the root causes of our crime problem."

Liberalism?

That and Namby-Pambyism with lots of handwringing thrown in for good measure.

[AppyPappy]

The article is careful not to show the number of murders in Ca.

[Carry_Okie]

It is awfully ironic of him to say that.

[edcoil]

The problem with these reports are tehy cover no specific in-state area. In LA the Chief noted a 20% decrease.

The police have computer models now that can break down crime into specific blocks of a city and in some areas (minority sadly) the increase has occured while reducing in other areas.

So, in a few blocks of a couple cities crime has increased but the state looks bad.

Of course, the state has paid out record amounts to citizens from crime on them by officers as well - I wonder it this state is included in crime stats?