February 9, 2022
The City of La Mirada experienced one of the region’s lowest crime rates and remained among the safest cities in Los Angeles County in 2021. The City’s low crime rate is attributed to a strong partnership between residents, businesses, and the Public Safety Team. According to SafeWise, La Mirada was the 38th Safest City in California.
In 2021, there were 813 Part 1 crimes reported in La Mirada compared to 793 in 2020. Part 1 crimes include homicide, rape, larceny, burglary, auto theft, robbery, assault, and arson. Violent crimes continued to be low and crimes against persons decreased compared to 2020. There were 88 burglary incidents reported compared to 105 in 2020.
“The number of residential burglaries has remained consistently low the last two years,” says Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Oscar Rodriguez. “Since most residential burglaries typically occur during the day when nobody is home, it is speculated that the COVID pandemic contributed to the lower number of burglaries because more residents were home.”
Larceny crimes increased in La Mirada from 446 in 2020 to 471 in 2021. Grand thefts, which are classified as theft of property with a value of more than $950, increased from 122 cases in 2020 to 197 in 2021. The uptick in catalytic converters taken from vehicles in the past year represents 57 percent of the reported grand thefts.
Thefts from vehicles decreased slightly from 129 cases reported in 2020 to 115 in 2021. Many of the thefts from vehicles were crimes of opportunity, where valuables were left in view or vehicles were unlocked.
Last year, La Mirada’s Special Assignment Officers (SAO) Team served a key role in keeping La Mirada among the safest cities. The SAO Team prevented and suppressed criminal activity and nuisance issues in the community, conducted directed patrol and enforcement, served search warrants, conducted probation-related searches, and gathered intelligence. The team made 163 felony arrests and 428 misdemeanor arrests.
The Public Safety will aim to reduce the number of property crimes by educating residents on crime prevention measures. To decrease the number of catalytic converter thefts, the team will encourage residents to report suspicious persons, park in garages or well-lit areas, and install an anti-theft device to secure catalytic converters.
The Public Safety team will enhance visibility as a proactive measure to prevent property crimes and watch for criminal activity.
“The presence of Deputies and Public Safety Officers in neighborhoods and commercial centers can be an effective way to deter crime and enhance quality of life,” says Assistant City Manager Haraksin. “Integrating high visibility enforcement as a standard practice also sends a message that public safety is a priority.”
For additional information on the annual crime report and the City’s crime prevention efforts, contact the La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station at (562) 902-2334.
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