El Cerrito Stretch of Ohlone Greenway Saw Huge Drop in Violent Crime Since 2008

The El Cerrito stretch of the Ohlone Greenway is a much safer place than it was five years ago, according to crime numbers from the El Cerrito Police Department. In 2008, there were 28 robberies on the trail compared to only two last year. 

Lt. Paul Keith of ECPD attributes part of the drop to nine surveillance cameras pointed on the Greenway, police bike patrols during some of the last five years, and more people using the trail for biking, walking and jogging.

A spotlight was thrown on the Greenway's safety following a shooting there last week that left one Albany High School student in critical condition. Lt. Keith said ECPD is still seeking suspects in the shooting. 

Keith said that police bike patrols were more common in 2009 and 2010, when the department was better staffed. The department is currently down three full-time employees. 

While the surevillance cameras are not substitutes for a police officers on the scene, Keith said that the cameras have contributed directly to catching at least three crimes in action.