South Bay Crime Rate Plummets

Cities in the South Bay of Los Angeles enjoyed a 9.1% overall drop in crime during 2005 thanks to large drops in burglaries, auto thefts, and assaults. There has been an overall 51.2% drop in crime since 1995 in the South Bay. Rancho Palos Verdes had a 29.1% drop in reported crimes in 2005, significantly leading the way in the largest percentage decrease in crime since the prior year. Most other cities in the South Bay had percentage decreases ranging from 5.5% to 9.8% (Palos Verdes Estates).

Reasons for the decrease in crime range from the effects of the 3 strikes and your out law, a drop in drug use, an improved economy, a decline in the 18 to 24 year old male population, and proactive policing techniques.

Source: South Bay Daily Breeze 3/19/06