Violent Crime Up in Los Angeles

Whereas reported property crime in LA declined final yr violent crime has elevated based on the Los Angeles Police Division. The Metropolis Information Service reports that up to now this yr homicides have elevated 28%, robberies are up 9.5% and total violent crime is 2.9% greater than final yr. The interim Police Chief informed town’s Board of Police Commissioners final week that robberies with firearms are up by 2.9% whereas gang-related robberies jumped by 5.3%. The Chief additionally famous that residential burglaries are up 4.5%.  These will increase, whereas not as excessive as 2022, replicate a rising concern that District Lawyer George Gascon’s refusal to prosecute most property and drug crimes whereas undercharging violent offenders is fueling the violence on LA streets.  The county’s choice to remove money bail and easily launch suspects charged with crimes pending trial may additionally be a contributing issue.  It’s probably that the drop in reported property crimes is because of the truth that most thefts are cite-and-release misdemeanors below California legislation.  In LA, even automobile thieves are routinely charged and launched with out bail the identical day they’re arrested. With completely no penalties for many property crimes fewer folks and companies see any worth in reporting them. A poll measure presently gathering signatures would, if adopted by voters this November, restore penalties for property and drug crimes.   The defeat of District Lawyer Gascon by former Federal Prosecutor Nathan Hochman on this fall’s common election would put an actual prosecutor answerable for combating crime in Los Angeles.