Carlsbad CA— On April 14, 2016, SANDAG released the “Thirty-Six Years of Crime in the San Diego Region: 1980-2015” report. As SANDAG notes and as a matter of perspective when reviewing crime rates, it is important to analyze rates over time to gain a clearer picture. Further, in 2014 the County of San Diego experienced 35 year crime rate lows.

• The countywide FBI Index crime rate per 1,000 populations increased 7 percent in 2015 when compared to 2014 (21.56 to 22.76).
• The countywide violent crime rate per 1,000 population increased 2 percent in 2015 when compared to 2014 (3.28 to 3.35).
• The countywide property crime rate per 1,000 population increased 6 percent in 2015 when compared to 2014 (18.28 to 19.42).

City of Carlsbad Summary

“The City of Carlsbad’s crime rate generally runs parallel to what is occurring countywide and even nationwide, just at a lower level,” said Police Department Crime Analyst Cindy Anderson.

FBI Index crime rate per 1,000 population

• Like the greater majority of the county, Carlsbad’s FBI Index crime rate increased 18 percent in 2015 when compared to 2014 (17.61 to 20.84).
• Countywide increased ranged from 1 percent to 45 percent. The FBI index includes homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft.
• The Carlsbad increase was due in part to an increase in reported rape cases and in part to an increase in reported property crime.

Violent crime rate per 1,000 population

• Carlsbad’s violent crime rate decreased 16 percent in 2015 when compared to 2014 (1.86 to 1.55).
• The decrease included homicide (1 to 0), robbery (44 to 38) and aggravated assault (145 to 101).
• Rape showed an increased in reported crimes (14 to 33). Rape is a violent crime but not necessary random act.
  • Note – The SANDAG report summaries changes to the definition of rape that affect the rate.
• Carlsbad’s violent crime clearance rate of 70 percent in 2015 is in the top of the county.

Property crime rate per 1,000 population

Carlsbad’s property crime rate increased 22 percent in 2015 when compared to 2014 (15.75 to 19.29).

• It is important to note that 2014 reflected a statistically significant 35-year crime rate low in Carlsbad.
• The 2015 property crime rate of 19.29 is comparable to the 2013 rate of 19.26 and the 2012 rate of 19.59.
• 2015 reflects a rate in line with the past seven years which represents a decline in property crime. SANDAG reports, “The 2015 (countywide) property crime rate was 6 percent higher than 2014 but was still the second lowest rate in the past 36 years.”
• The property crime rate increase included burglary (331 to 366), larceny (1272 to 1627) and motor vehicle theft (128 to 141).
• The greatest increase is represented by larceny under $950 or petty theft. Which includes thefts from vehicles, thefts from stores, shoplifting and other thefts.
• The largest category in petty theft is thefts from vehicles. The majority of the time in Carlsbad a thief enters an unlocked vehicle or secondly, smashes the vehicle window to gain entry and steal unattended property.
• The Police Department implement numerous programs in 2015 to combat increases vehicle crime. These programs included: Analysis directed patrol teams, bait cars, surveillance cameras, vehicle security checks, citywide signage and community education to reduce the opportunities for crime by securing vehicles and removing unattended property.
• More information about the prevention of vehicle crime can be found on the department’s website.

“Many variables factor into why a crime rate goes up and down,” said Police Chief Neil Gallucci. “The hard working men and women of the Police Department are committed each day to addressing current crime trends and finding innovative ways to combat crime.”
Gallucci went on to say effective policing takes teamwork and the community of Carlsbad is an important part of the crime-fighting team. Gallucci encourages community members to be the eyes and ears of their community, watch out for each other, secure property and immediately call the Police Department when they see suspicious activity or crime.