Crime in La Mesa kept trending in the right direction in the third quarter of 2025, with police reporting an overall drop compared with the same stretch last year. The decline touched both violent and property crime and came as investigators wrapped up several high-profile cases, according to city police figures.
In a quarterly report to the chief of police, department leaders said Q3 2025 totals were down and credited a mix of strategy and neighbor-to-neighbor work for the slide. “We attribute the decrease in crime to a combination of proactive policing, information-led policing strategies, and strong community partnerships,” Lt. Travis Higgins told the Times of San Diego.
The report lists detectives closing several investigations, including a vehicle robbery in which a firearm was used and a countywide commercial-burglary series that ended in multiple arrests. It also notes that traffic enforcement and DUI checkpoints were used to bolster roadway safety. Residents looking for crime-prevention tips, Neighborhood Watch details, site-security inspections or vacation checks were directed to La Mesa’s community engagement specialist, Bri Ohlendorf, at (619) 667-7545 or [email protected], according to the Times of San Diego.
Enforcement and community programs
The department’s press-release archive highlights recent DUI checkpoints and their results as part of a broader traffic-safety push, according to a City of La Mesa press release. Public pages for the La Mesa Police Department also list community offerings, including Citizens’ Academy, Neighborhood Watch and other prevention programs that officers say help identify trouble spots early and keep residents in the loop.
How La Mesa fits into the regional trend
La Mesa’s quarter-to-quarter dip is landing at the same time that serious crime is easing up across San Diego County. Recent countywide figures reviewed by Axios show homicides and several violent-crime categories falling in 2025. Locally, quarterly reports have bounced around in recent years, with an earlier review finding a notable decline in violent crime in Q1 2024, according to East County Magazine, which suggests the latest quarter reflects steady, incremental progress rather than a single dramatic turnaround.
Police say they plan to keep pairing targeted enforcement with neighborhood outreach as the city heads into the winter months. Residents with tips or safety concerns can reach out to La Mesa Police Department community resources to learn more about prevention programs and Neighborhood Watch signups.
