San Pablo, Richmond Report Drop in Property Crime, Homicides

By Bay City News Service

Police announced this week that 2013 marked the first time in 27 years without a single homicide in the city of San Pablo, in addition to a significant drop in other types of crime citywide.

In addition to experiencing no homicides - down from seven in 2012 - reported incidents of rape went down by 57 percent, robberies were down by 30 percent, and aggravated assault crimes fell by 19 percent, according to a police report.

Police said the department also saw a 20 percent drop in property crime and 10 percent fewer minor injury vehicle crashes in 2013. Police credit strategies of engaging in the community, proactive policing and efficient use of technology for the drop in crime.

The department also offers programs aimed at boosting public engagement such as the Citizen Police Academy and the "Parent Project," a 10-week program geared toward parents of strong-willed adolescent children.

San Pablo Mayor Paul Morris said the statistics show that the City Council considers public safety the city's first priority. "Our police department is making significant accomplishments throughout the city at reducing violent crime and creating a healthy community for families and youth," he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the neighboring city of Richmond also saw its lowest homicide rate in 33 years in 2013, with 16 homicides compared to a total of 26 in 2011 and 18 in 2012, according to Richmond police.