Violent crime in Los Angeles was on the decline in 2023, according to end of year data released by the Los Angeles Police Department on Wednesday.
That same report also showed that property crimes and thefts saw a small uptick and revealed somber statistics about traffic fatalities.
Homicides and Violent Crime
There were 327 homicides in 2023, which was a 17% reduction from the previous year. All LAPD bureaus saw a reduction in homicides, police said. The Police Department also said its citywide homicide clearance rate — the rate at which arrests are made for a crime — was at 76% for the year.
Officials said violent crime went down 3.2% from 2022, but “Part 1” crimes saw a nearly 2% increase. Part 1 crimes are a blanket term that describe serious crimes that include homicides, in addition to rapes, robberies and burglaries.
Property Crime and Thefts
Property crimes were among the risers in 2023, LAPD data showed. Citywide property crimes rose by 3.5% in 2023, including a 2% increase in vehicle thefts. Kia and Hyundai vehicles, targeted by thieves following viral video trends, were the main culprits, accounting for 30% of total thefts.
Thefts, including smash-and-grab burglaries and “flash robberies” that have dominated much of the headlines over the last several months, saw a startling increase of 16% in 2023.
But LAPD officials said its Organized Retail Theft Task Force, which was established in August of last year, is making significant progress in that arena.
Since its inception, the task forces has served 109 search warrants, made 128 arrests, recovered 15 firearms and recovered more than $150,000 in stolen property.
Traffic Fatalities
And in somber news for drivers, for the first time in nearly a decade, more people died in L.A. traffic crashes than homicides in 2023.
The majority of those crashes, police officials said, are attributed to irresponsible and illegal acts while driving, including driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and driving while distracted.
Deadly hit-and-run crashes increased by 23% in 2023, DUI-related deadly crashes surged by 32% and pedestrian deaths by vehicles increased by nearly 13%, data showed.
Traffic safety is among the Police Department’s goals in the coming years, officials said. Police say they hope to reduce those traffic collisions by raising public awareness and expanding public education about safe driving practices. DUI checkpoints are also among the tactics being discussed.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a statement Wednesday evening in which she highlighted the success of the city’s organized retail taskforce, while acknowledging the fears many residents in the city share.
“We know that many in our city do not feel safe, which is why we are working urgently to address and prevent crime,” Bass said. “We know that there is much more work to be done and we will continue our work to ensure all Angelenos feel safe.”
As the LAPD looks to improve on public safety in hopes that next year’s data shows reduced numbers across the board, it will be doing so with a new leader at the helm.
Earlier this month, Chief Michel Moore announced he would be retiring at the end of February. His permanent replacement has yet to be announced.