Stats Show Santa Barbara Crime Rates Lower

The Santa Barbara Police Department released statistics showing across-the-board drops in reported crimes within the city.

The information released to the Santa Barbara City Council on Tuesday showed a 34 percent decrease in robberies compared to this date in 2013.

To date, residential burglaries have dropped 37 percent compared to 2013. The figures also show a 32 percent decrease in burglaries and thefts from vehicles.

The department report said aggravated assaults have been trending up since 2011, with 2013 having the highest number of the last five years at 325. But the year-to-date number in 2014 is 3 percent lower. Officers said most aggravated assaults are related to alcohol or domestic abuse.

Santa Barbara Police Chief Cam Sanchez told the Council he was proud violent crime and property crime rates have fallen under his watch, but he said he doesn’t want law abiding citizens to let their guards down.

“Clearly even in our great city we have people who want to take advantage,” Sanchez said, adding criminals will stake out shopping areas and prey on shoppers who leave valuables in plain sight during the upcoming holiday season.

Officers recommend placing items in a locked car trunk and closing windows.

An additional officer was added to patrol the downtown corridor by foot.