The Harbor Area’s overall crime rate has dropped a dramatic 34 percent compared to the same period in 2003. Violent crime is down even more, despite the impression given by several high-profile murders, the June 21 multiple murder on 13th Street and the “Sunken City” ocean cliff murder-suicide in May.
     The real sticking point is the area between Pacific Avenue and the bay (bordered by Pacific Avenue, South Harbor Boulevard, W. 22nd Street, and Vincent Thomas Bridge), where one more homicide and five more rapes have been committed than a year ago. Burglaries in this section of San Pedro are also up 12 percent. The safety of this area is seen as key to the success of the downtown revitalization efforts.
     Overall, the LAPD Harbor Division has seen a significant reduction in crime with total violent crime down by 38 percent. Robberies are down 49 percent, thefts from vehicles are down 46 percent, burglaries are down 37 percent, and auto thefts are down 36 percent. Also, overall arrests have increased 47 percent over last year, with 850 more arrests than this time last year. Gang-related crimes have also decreased: homicides down100 percent, assaults down 63 percent, robberies down 40 percent, and rapes unchanged at zero.
     Comparing the percentages to the number of incidents reveals that, while there have been increases in burglary, rape, and homicide, the actual number of crimes is low; for instance, the two gang-related homicides in June compares to three the year before, and the 58 burglaries in 2004 compares to 52 in 2003. In fact, until June 2004, the homicide rate had shown a decrease, from three in 2003 to two in 2004.
     The area bordered by Pacific Avenue, South Harbor Boulevard, W. 22nd Street, and Vincent Thomas Bridge has shown a similar decrease in some areas. Robberies are down 61 percent; thefts from vehicles are down19 percent; and auto thefts are down 56 percent.
     According to Captain Pat Gannon, Commanding Officer of the Harbor Division LAPD, the decrease in overall crime has resulted from “an increased presence and seeking out of those individuals clearly responsible for crimes” in the area.
     Under close scrutiny, though, the statistics reveal that the area east of Pacific Avenue accounts for 80 percent of homicides, 30 percent of assaults, 27 percent of total sex-related crimes, 24 percent of the robberies, 23 percent of thefts from vehicles, 30 percent of burglaries, and 21 percent of car thefts in the area.
     Captain Gannon acknowledged that the area below Pacific Avenue accounts for a large part of the crime in the Harbor Area, and he attributed this to its high level of gang activity. He said that the recent murders on 13th street have heightened people’s fears, saying that “the fear of crime plays a bigger role than the level of crime itself...[he] can go out and tell people about the improved crime statistics, but this doesn’t sink in if they’ve been victims of crime.” He indicated that the Harbor Division continues to “put a lot of resources” into this area, and that part of their strategy involves focusing their attention on “putting the right people in jail.” He added that 40 percent of all burglaries are from cars left unlocked and 60 percent are from belongings left in plain sight in the vehicle, so he asks people to pay closer attention to preventing crimes. He noted that his division is working to educate the public about crime prevention by placing “courtesy cards” on people’s cars when items are left in plain view or when vehicles are left unlocked.
     Anyone with information regarding the recent homicides on June 21 or other homicides should contact Harbor Area Homicide Detectives, at 310-548-2835. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24 hour toll-free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).