Why is This Important?
Crime impacts a community’s social and economic wellbeing. High rates of crime discourage neighborhood vitality and economic development. Crime may also impact a local government’s ability to deliver essential public services by diverting resources to increased police enforcement. While violent crimes such as homicide grab the most headlines, lesser crimes such as theft and vandalism weaken the morale and civic engagement of residents. Juvenile crime rates are particularly important indicators as they are strongly correlated with continued criminal activity in adult years.
What is a Sustainable State?
A sustainable state is one where crime rates are low and communities have safe schools and neighborhoods.
How Are We Doing?
Crime Rates
· The rate of violent crime in San Mateo County fell in 2009, to 276.1 violent crimes committed per 100,000 residents. After increasing steadily from 1999 through 2005, violent crime is down over 18 percent from its peak. The rate of violent crime in San Mateo Country remains far below the statewide rate of 453.6 violent crimes per 100,000 residents. The rate of violent crime in Santa Clara County was 267.8 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
· The incidence of property-related crimes (primarily burglary and theft) fell in 2009 from 1,274.8 per 100,000 residents to 1,156.3 crimes per 100,000 residents. Burglary increased about 8 percent, while motor vehicle theft and larceny both decreased.
· Over the past decade, the rates of robbery and burglary have increased within the county, while falling statewide.
· Low value larceny (less than $400) constitutes the bulk (39 percent) of crimes in the county, followed by property related crimes (28 percent). Violent crime accounts for only 12 percent of all county crimes.
· Over 80 percent of all violent crimes are committed by men.
Juvenile Crime
· Juvenile felony arrests declined signi cantly in 2009, from 793 felony arrests in 2008 to 733 in 2009. Juvenile felony arrests have declined over 45 percent since their 1996 peak of 1,349 arrests.
· Arrests for misdemeanors have shown a similar decline, down from 2,937 in 1996 to 1,480 in 2009 (down almost 50 percent).
