(CLAIR) – The Simi Valley Police Department reported a significant decrease in crime for the fourth year in a row. In 2022, the number of crimes reported in the City of Simi Valley was 6.12% lower than in the previous year, marking a major accomplishment for the department.
For nearly 50 years, the Simi Valley Police Department has been keeping tabs on crime statistics through the Department of Justice’s Uniformed Crime Reporting (“UCR”) Program. The statistics are classified into two categories: violent crime and property crime.
The numbers are in, and they’re impressive! Violent crimes fell by a whopping 18.95% in 2022, while property crime is down by 4.48%. Simi Valley’s reduction in violent crime is thanks to the department’s crime analysis and careful review of data, leading the investigative and field units to aggressively address robbery crime trends. Task force officers assigned to these efforts, coupled with the work of SVPD’s detective bureau, have proven successful in reducing violent crime year after year.
Police Chief Steve Shorts attributes the overall 4.48% reduction in property crimes to the department’s continued strategic approach of mission-oriented policing. This method combines social media, community outreach, and education for regular crime prevention alerts. By focusing patrol resources towards known problem areas, the department was able to reduce property crime as well.
In 2021, the department investigated numerous thefts and burglaries from unlocked vehicles and homes, which prompted regular crime prevention alerts in 2022. The department has benefited significantly from its strong community partnerships and citizens’ willingness to report and actively participate in crime prevention.
One particular area that has been a historical problem is motor vehicle theft. Simi Valley Police Department detectives have addressed this issue in several ways. Specifically, property crimes detectives assigned to the regional Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force use intelligence-led policing strategies. Additionally, by focusing on prolific offenders, enhanced enforcement, probation searches, crime mapping, and partnerships with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, the Simi Valley Police Department was able to reduce all forms of theft, including motor vehicle theft.
Police Chief Steve Shorts praised his team, saying, “The members of the Simi Valley Police Department continue to work with our community partners to provide a safe city to live and work within. We focus on providing superior police services that address our residents’ and businesses’ needs and concerns while responding swiftly to crime trends and quality of life issues.”
