The Los Angeles Police Department's Central Bureau has released its latest crime update for the week of December 17th to December 23rd, showcasing a significant dip in both property and violent crime rates compared to the same time frame in 2022. The LAPD’s Central Bureau reported a 14% decrease in property crimes, with incidents dropping from 526 last year to 454 this year. Meanwhile, violent crimes saw a 9% decline, with incidents going down from 165 to 150.
Amid the busy holiday season, these figures have emerged as a silver lining for the community, which often expects to possibly see a surge in crime rates during this time. According to the weekly update, there were 7 shooting incidents, resulting in 3 individuals being shot—a number that highlights the challenging environment in which LAPD officers operate. On one occasion, officers happened to observe a shooting in progress and swiftly apprehended the suspect, recovering a 9mm handgun in the process.
LAPD’s Central Bureau publishes a weekly crime update, which shows for the week of 12/17 to 12/23, a 14% decrease in property crime and a 9% decrease in violent crime vs the same week in 2022.
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) December 26, 2023
Link to citywide crime info: https://t.co/fn2GDkcYmu https://t.co/TpKTe9IfPN
Despite the overall downturn in crime, the reality remains that lives are still being affected with tragic consequences. The weekly report detailed a significant arrest event wherein "Officers observed a shooting in progress and apprehended the suspect." In this incident, while the officers’ quick actions may have prevented further harm, the victim sadly sustained multiple gunshot wounds and later succumbed to their injuries — a stark reminder of the human cost behind the statistics.
The LAPD has encouraged the public to come forward with any information related to crimes by contacting them at 877-527-3247 or submitting anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
