2022 2nd Quarter Crime Statistics
October 13, 2022 4:27 PM
by Myesha Morrison
Part One Crimes
Your police department strives to be transparent and we are committed to openness and accountability.
Below is a review of crime, calls for service, and arrest data for the City of Santa Monica during the second quarter of 2022. This review covers the data from 2018 to 2022 and provides a comprehensive look at the crime in Santa Monica during the first two quarters of 2022 and how that compares to the previous four years. Part I offenses, which include homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, grand theft auto and arson, showed no notable change in the number of incidents in 2022, compared to the same timeframe in 2021. Part II offenses demonstrated an 8% increase in reported incidents. Part II crimes include simple assault, DUIs, fraud, vandalism, narcotics, etc. and the data for incidents within this category can be found here.
SMPD's Crime Analysts conducted a review and analysis of the reported information. It is important to note, this is preliminary data used to inform the public. Information is extracted by the occurrence date and may change after review and investigation. The information obtained by our analysts gives our department the opportunity to strategically plan how we efficiently and effectively protect our city.
Summary of notable changes in criminal behavior:
Aggravated Assault: In review of the first two quarters in 2022, aggravated assaults increased from 167 in 2021 to 187 in 2022 over the same time period. Firearm usage increased from 13 incidents to 19.
Burglary: Residential and non-residential burglary continue to show a decline after a large spike in 2020. Notably, non-residential burglary decreased from 220 incidents in 2021 to 153 in 2022. Residents are encouraged to contact their Crime Prevention Coordinator to request a free home security assessment.
Grand Theft Auto: There continues to be a significant increase in the number of vehicles stolen. There were 274 reported vehicle thefts in the first two quarters of 2022 with 189 during the same time period in 2021. Regionally, police agencies shared information warning the communities they serve about the TikTok trend/challenge related to the theft of Kia and Hyundai vehicles without anti-theft engine immobilizers.
Larceny: There was an overall decrease in larcenies, compared to 2021; from 1,314 to 1,257. While a decrease was seen in stolen bicycles and auto parts, theft from vehicles increased from 362 to 406. Residents are reminded to remove all valuables from their vehicles when leaving them unattended or parked overnight. And of course, ensure they are locked.
Rape: While nine incidents were reported during the first two quarters of 2021, there were 17 during the same time period in 2022, similar to the statistics for 2019 and 2020.
Arson: The category of arson has continued to show an increase in incidents from 2018 to 2022. There were 44 arson incidents reported during the first two quarters of 2022 – up from 30 in 2021. Approximately 45% of reported incidents involved city-owned trash and recycling containers.
The Department has added and redeployed officers to ensure a visible presence citywide. In the Downtown area for example, the designated Downtown Services Unit has increased the number of officers available to address quality of life concerns. Additionally, we have special operations using new technology like mobile cameras and drones to supplement these efforts. You’ll continue to see more officers on foot and on bikes patrolling, not only the Promenade and Downtown parking structures, but throughout your neighborhoods. The Santa Monica Police Department is a Constitutional organization driven by the principles of democracy. We are committed to providing the absolute best service and public safety while protecting everyone’s rights, practicing the tenets of 21st Century policing. We are dedicated and will continue to work in conjunction with our civic and community partners to solve problems and make our city a safe and great place to live, work and visit.
Part Two Crimes
Below is a review of crime, calls for service and arrest data for the City of Santa Monica during the second quarter of 2022. This review covers the data from 2018 – 2022 and provides a comprehensive look at the crime in Santa Monica during the first two quarters of 2022 and how that compares to the previous four years. Part 1 offenses which include Homicide, Rape, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Larceny, Grand Theft Auto and Arson, showed no notable change in the number of incidents in 2022, compared to the same timeframe in 2021. For additional information on Part I Crimes, click here. Part II offenses demonstrated an 8% increase in reported incidents. Part II crimes include simple assault, DUIs, fraud, vandalism, narcotics, etc. and the data for incidents within this category can be found below.
SMPD's Crime Analysts conducted a review and analysis of the reported information. It is important to note, this is preliminary data used to inform the public. Information is extracted by the occurrence date and may change after review and investigation. The information obtained by our analysts gives our department the opportunity to strategically plan how we efficiently and effectively protect our city.
Simple Assault: In 2020 and 2021 there was a decrease in the number of simple assaults in comparison to previous two years, but in 2022 we have experienced a notable increase in reported incidents, from 252 in 2021 to 341 in 2022.
Public Intoxication: Despite a decrease in 2020 and 2021, incidents are trending upwards with 98 in 2021 and 124 in 2022.
Fraud: Incidents of fraud decreased from 129 during the first two quarters of 2021 to 99 in 2022. Staff continue to share tips via social media to help avoid the IRS and banking scams that target the residents, especially the elderly population.
The Department has added and redeployed officers to ensure a visible presence Citywide. In the Downtown area for example, the designated Downtown Services Unit has increased the number of officers available to address quality of life concerns. Additionally, we have special operations using new technology like mobile cameras and drones to supplement these efforts. You’ll continue to see more officers on foot and on bikes patrolling, not only the Promenade and Downtown parking structures, but throughout your neighborhoods.
Authored By
Myesha Morrison
Public Information Coordinator