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Report: Overall crime up 2 percent in San Luis Obispo

Posted at 12:23 PM, May 08, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-22 21:55:21-04

A report released Wednesday by the San Luis Obispo Police Department shows a 23% decrease in thefts from vehicles in 2018.

Meanwhile, a public report given to the city council on May 7 shows an 8% increase in violent crime for the same year and a 2% increase in overall crime. The increase in crime goes along with the pattern of an overall annual increase since 2015.

<figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-157448">Chief Deanna Cantrell published the 2018 crime statistics report Wednesday.

Police Chief Deanna Cantrell says crime and nuisance prevention continues to be a major priority for the department.

“Our efforts show positive results in many areas, and we are optimistic the measures will continue to improve the safety of our city,” Cantrell said.

The report released Wednesday also toted efforts on commitments to affect “positive social change.” The report says the force’s Police and Community Together (PACT) program includes representation from a diverse group of citizens.

The May 7 report highlights success with intelligence-led policing efforts and reviewed the reasons for the increase in reported crime.

Those efforts include the hiring of a part-time Public Safety Analyst. The report also noted the positive impact of the #MeToo movement in 2017, with victims of sexual assault and rape far more likely to report their attacks to police than in previous years.

The report notes vacancies on the force due to resignations, injuries and officers not making it through probation, but it also says the department is continuing efforts to strengthen outreach for positive community dialogue.

“Our overall goal is to reduce harm,” Cantrell said. “We plan to do that by reducing crime and victimization; reducing traffic collisions and increasing multi-modal safety; strengthening regional partnerships; strengthening the health and well-being of our employees; and strengthening our relationships with the community.”

To get more details on the 2018 crime report including details on noise, traffic and homelessness, see the city council’s agenda from May 7. For up to date crime reports, see the police department’s community dashboard page.