The most violent type of crime, referred to in law enforcement as “Part One,” dropped nearly five percent from March to April in Fullerton and is down three percent compared to April of 2012, police officials said Wednesday.
Part one crimes include homicide, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, stolen cars and arson.
The overall crime picture and the strategies the police officials employ took center this week at the department’s monthly Community Policing and Crime Strategy Meeting.
But crime wasn’t the only topic on the agenda. Police officials also demonstrated the utility of its new RaidsOnline crime mapping system and honored Marie Avena of Coast to Coast for her efforts to provide services to the homeless.
“It’s not just Marie,” said Police Chief Dan Hughes. “Coast to Coast has a tremendous number of volunteers. They all have a heart to want to serve people and improve our community.”
In terms of crime, there were some upticks. There have been 11 reported rapes so far this year compared to three last year during the same period. There’s no pattern, police officials said; but in each of the reported rapes, the victim knew the suspect.
The downward crime trend extends to property crimes. Commercial burglaries are down by 30 percent to 60 so far this year, compared to 86 during the same period in 2012.
One troubling trend, police officials said, involved criminals “skimming” gas station credit/ATM card swipers, then using the cards to steal from unwitting customers.
Two such skimmer devices, which attach to credit card swipers, have been found at two Fullerton gas stations.
“If you see anything suspicious please immediately call police,” said Sgt. Jeff Stuart.
