(The Center Square) – According to new 2023 police data, the City of Angels is still struggling to get the COVID-19 pandemic-era crime wave under control.
Los Angeles homicides declined significantly, but serious “Part 1” crimes are up 1.9% and reported property rose 3.5% year over year.
“We know that many in our city do not feel safe, which is why we are working urgently to address and prevent crime,” said Mayor Karen Bass in a statement on the new figures. “We know that there is much more work to be done and we will continue our work to ensure all Angelenos feel safe.”
Homicides declined 17% to 327, while violent crime declined 3.2%. However, Part 1 crimes, which include homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft and motor vehicle theft, rose 1.9% from 2022 levels. Overall property crimes continued to increase, rising 3.5% over the prior year amid a perception that crime is on the rise but that many crimes are still being underreported by victims.
“This is a twofold issue. Part 1 crimes include property crimes categorized as felonies: burglary, grand theft, grand theft auto, and arson. These numbers have increased when reported, but the percentage of cases being reported is shrinking — the second part of the problem,” said former Los Angeles County sheriff Alex Villaneuva. “People have lost faith in criminals being held accountable so they’ve given up reporting being victims. Prop 47 and Gascon share the blame.”
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon, who oversees prosecution in the county, was San Francisco’s district attorney for eight years before moving to Los Angeles to run for his current position. He was and remains a vocal supporter of Proposition 47, a proposition which reclassified many drug and theft related felonies as misdemeanors with the stated goal of reducing the state’s prison population. Gascon’s successor in San Francisco was recalled by voters, and Gascon currently faces 11 primary challengers. According to a survey of nearly 2,000 voters, only 15% of voters have a positive view of Gascon.
