Crime rates increased 5 percent countywide during the first half of 2002 when compared to the first six months of 2001, according to the latest midyear findings published in a recent SANDAG report.

The overall rate of crimes per 1,000 people committed in San Diego County increased to 35.5 from 33.8 crimes when comparing six month trends. "This upswing reverses a decade-long decline in criminal activity throughout the region," noted Dr. Cynthia Burke, who tracks crimes for the SANDAG Criminal Justice Research Division. However, Dr. Burke noted that these latest figures still represent a 16 percent decrease in the crime rate when compared to 42.1 crimes per 1,000 people reported in 1998.

Similarly, the number of property-related crimes (burglary, theft, and auto theft) rose 9 percent between the first six months of 2001 and 2002, but dropped 7 percent since 1998.

Unlike overall and property crimes, reported violent offenses (homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) actually fell 3 percent between the first six months of 2001 and 2002, and dropped 22 percent since 1998.

Based on the first six months of the year, every major law enforcement jurisdiction in the region experienced a reduction in the overall crime rate between 1998 and 2002. Additional crime statistics also are posted on the SANDAG Web site.

SANDAG compiles and analyzes regional crime data using FBI Index crime information from local law enforcement agencies. The FBI Index includes four violent offenses (willful homicide, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) and three types of property crimes (burglary, larceny theft, and motor vehicle theft).

Project Manager: Dr. Cindy Burke,
(619) 595-5361, or cbu@sandag.org