Crime dropped 21.4% in Huntington Beach last year

Angelique Flores

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- The city saw a drop in crime last year, according to

an FBI report released this week.

The number of crimes committed in the city dove from 3,157 in 1998 to to

2,481 in 1999, a 21.4% decrease, the report shows.

“We’re elated,” Councilman Ralph Bauer said.

The report includes cities with populations of at least 100,00, which

does not include Fountain Valley.

Violent crimes -- which include homicide, rape, robbery and assault --

dropped 30.2% from January to June 1999. Property crimes, including

burglary and car theft, went down by 28%.

The California Crime Index, also released this week, showed a 28.5% drop

in the city, compared to a statewide decrease of 15.3%. These numbers do

not account for larceny and arson, however.

The biggest plunge was in aggravated assault. Last year, the city

reported 126 -- a 33% drop from 1998’s tally of 188, the reports show.

Bauer attributes the overall drop in crime to the strong, effective law

enforcement, low unemployment and efforts in after-school programs, so

youngsters have no time for mischief.

“Crime has tended to be higher among the younger vs. the older,” Bauer

said.

Bauer said job training, a focus on family values and community pride

could also have contributed to the drop.

“You have to do them all. You have to do them well. You have to do them

all consistently. And that’s how you whip crime,” Bauer said.

Though the overall totals dropped, increases were seen in homicide and

arson. One homicide occurred in 1999, where 1998 saw none. Arson reports

shot up from five incidents in 1998 to 16 in 1999.

“The city should not be satisfied with good results. It must keep trying

harder,” Bauer said. “You can’t just rest on your laurels.”