Feeling unsafe in your California city? Worried about the rising crime rates? You’re not alone.
According to FBI data, San Mateo, Contra Costa, and Sacramento are identified as high-crime areas. While the city with the highest crime rate may vary from year to year, the critical questions are why these crimes occur and what measures you can take to prevent becoming the next victim.
This blog post dives into effective strategies to prevent violent crime across various locations in California.
We’ll explore proven methods and innovative solutions that empower you and your community to create a safer environment.
Ready to take a stand against crime? Keep reading to discover actionable steps you can take to make a difference!
How catastrophic are crime statistics in California?
FBI crime statistics in California confirm these cities have higher rates of violent crimes such as homicide, robbery, and assault. Property crimes like burglary and motor vehicle theft are also on a spike.
Image courtesy of PPIC
California has seen…
- Gun violence skyrockets: A concerning 37% increase in gun-related violent crime plagues California.
- Overall property crime rise: Property crimes show a moderate increase of 5.9% compared to 2021, with 2,314 incidents per 100,000 residents.
- Auto thefts persist: The rise in auto thefts continues, with a 1.6% increase in 2022.
- Larceny thefts dominate: Larceny thefts make up the majority of property crimes in California at 64%, followed by burglaries (16%) and auto thefts (20%).
Most dangerous cities in California
Crime rate comparison of different cities across California:
Image courtesy of PPIC
Crime rates increased in most of the state’s 15 largest cities in 2022.
San Mateo topped the crime chart with the highest crime rates in California, with 305 violent and 2351 property crimes in 2022. While San Joaquin, Ventura, and Fresno may be considered the safest places in California in 2022!
Now let’s have a quick look at the factors that are causing the crime rates to skyrocket in California.
Factors That Affect the Violent Crime Rate.
Unemployment:
After the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment rates soared as many people struggled to provide for their families. The loss of loved ones to the virus left many families fragmented.
Additionally, numerous companies downsized, leading to widespread layoffs. These factors combined to create a climate of desperation, which in some cases, drove individuals to engage in theft and other crimes out of necessity.
News reports have shown examples of organized theft, with large groups targeting stores in a “flash mob” style. These thieves quickly grab whatever they can, like cigarettes, clothes, drinks, and snacks, before fleeing.
Prisoners on probation:
The Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act in 2016 reclassifies theft under $950 as a misdemeanor, which is considered a less severe crime with lighter penalties.
In 2020, Governor Newsom released 10,000 prisoners to curb the spread of COVID-19 in jails, many of whom had prior convictions for serious or violent crimes.
Michael Rushford from the Criminal Justice Foundation states, “Prison realignment and early release programs have contributed to an increase in crime in California.
Statistics show that 45% of crimes are committed by individuals on probation. When people are left in the community with reduced consequences for their actions, it naturally leads to an increase in crime.”
Effective Strategies To Prevent Violent Crimes in California Cities:
Investing in prevention:
Governor Newsom has announced plans to make significant investments not only to prevent crime but also to deter individuals from committing crimes!
He is ready to invest in the communities so that crime can be prevented before it happens. The biggest initiative he will take is getting guns off the streets by focusing on security enforcement!
Focusing on Specific Crimes:
The authorities need to focus on high-crime areas and deal with a strategic plan to deter and stop robberies and auto thefts.
It’s not just a matter of quietly breaking into cars under the cover of night; today’s thieves are bolder and often operate in organized crime gangs.
They can smash a car window and make off with the vehicle in just a few seconds, using aggressive “smash and grab” tactics.
While the government focuses on CPED (crime prevention through environmental design), which does not give the thieves enough opportunity to steal, a more proactive approach is needed.
Gang prevention strategies:
By focusing on the youth, schools and communities can implement after-school and evening programs targeted at young children.
These initiatives could include counseling and other supportive activities designed to deter them from joining gangs in the first place.
This may include:
- Anti-violence and anti-bullying programs: Equipping children with social and emotional skills to resolve conflicts peacefully and build positive relationships.
- Mentorship programs: Providing young people with role models and positive influences outside of gang culture.
- Educational support: Addressing academic challenges can help mitigate the factors that contribute to gang recruitment.
Neighborhood watch:
While the mayors, police chiefs, and their community partners are working hard to develop better crime prevention strategies, you can also play a crucial role in keeping your community safe.
A simple act of staying alert and aware of your surroundings can be a powerful crime deterrent. If you see something suspicious, report it immediately. Prompt reporting can help prevent crimes like vandalism, robbery, and auto theft from escalating.
Consider joining a neighborhood watch program. These programs connect residents and empower them to look out for each other.
Place CCTV cameras:
Installing CCTV cameras can be an integral component of a comprehensive crime prevention strategy, but it’s crucial to use them effectively.
Although criminals have become more relentless, often barging in groups, the presence of cameras still acts as a significant deterrent.
Criminals are less likely to commit offenses in areas where they know they are under surveillance.
CCTV footage can be crucial evidence in criminal investigations and for tracking down gangs. It’s important to strategically place cameras in high-crime areas such as building entrances and exits, parking lots, and streets known for criminal activity.
Ensure that the cameras provide wide coverage without blind spots and are positioned to avoid sun glare. For effective nighttime CCTV monitoring, opt for infrared cameras or ensure adequate lighting is installed.
Remote video monitoring:
CCTV surveillance is helpful if integrated with a top-notch centralized video monitoring station. A central location that monitors video feeds in real-time can allow for a quicker response.
The benefits of real-time video monitoring are endless because it is all about prompt detection and swift action of criminal activities.
Remote video monitoring is strongest when combined with specific AI technology solutions tailored for different industries.Â
Here we have a few that are specific for city protection:
Loitering detection AI:
Quickly detects and alerts when individuals or vehicles stay for a predefined amount of time in a monitored zone. This advanced Loitering detection AI ensures that any unauthorized presence is identified swiftly, enhancing security and response times in sensitive or restricted areas.
Gun detection AI:
Mass shootings are so common in California and a proactive strategy is required to put a stop to these criminal gangs. A research shows Los Angeles witnessed a disturbing rise in aggravated assaults in 2022.
Compared to 2021, the number jumped by a staggering 2,106, with a concerning 41% of these assaults involving weapons.
With the gun detection AI, as soon as the camera detects a firearm in a monitored area, an alarm is triggered at the remote monitoring center, and the client’s predetermined SOPs are followed.
License plate recognition:
Equipping CCTV cameras with license plate recognition (LPR) technology in public parking lots can be a game-changer for security. This technology helps identify stolen vehicles and aids investigations by capturing and reading license plate numbers.
Real-time alerts from LPR allow security personnel to respond quickly to suspicious activity.
The data collected by LPR systems can be used to identify trends and improve overall security strategies.
Safety Tips for Californians:
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially important when you’re out alone at night or in unfamiliar areas. Pay attention to the people and places around you, and trust your gut if something feels off.
- Lock your doors and windows.This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s important to make sure your home is secure, even when you’re there.
- Install a security system. A security system can deter criminals and give you peace of mind. There are many different security systems on the market, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.
- Get to know your neighbors. Having a good relationship with your neighbors can greatly deter crime. They can keep an eye on your property when you’re away, and you can do the same for them.
- Be careful about what you share on social media. Don’t post things that could let criminals know you’re on vacation or that you have valuables in your home.
- Take a self-defense class. Learning how to defend yourself can give you the confidence to stay safe.
Key Takeaways:
While California faces rising crime rates, you can take steps to make your community safer. This blog explored various strategies, from community programs to personal vigilance.
Remember, everyone has a role to play in creating a secure environment.
Stay informed, be proactive, and report suspicious activity. Contact us for a customized security solution for your business so that together we can build a safer California.
