The City of La Mirada again experienced one of the region’s lowest crime rates and continues to remain among the safest cities in Los Angeles County. According to Safewise, La Mirada is in the top 50 Safest Cities in California. The City’s low crime rate is attributed to a strong partnership between the Public Safety Team and the community.
In 2022, there were 936 Part 1 crimes reported in La Mirada compared to 813 in 2021. 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 from 56 in 2021 to 53 in 2022.
Larceny crimes increased in La Mirada from 471 in 2021 to 578 in 2022. Grand thefts, which are classified as theft of property with a value of more than $950, increased from 197 cases in 2021 to 254 in 2022. The increase in grand thefts is partly due to the 140 catalytic converters stolen from vehicles.
Thefts from vehicles also added to the larceny cases. Many of the thefts from vehicles were crimes of opportunity, where valuables were left in view or vehicles were unlocked. There were 130 cases of thefts from vehicles reported in 2022. The number of petty theft cases also increased from 159 cases in 2021 to 193 cases in 2022.
“While crime remains low in La Mirada, residents are reminded to guard against these property related crimes,” says Assistant City Manager Anne Haraksin. “Opportunity thefts are among the most preventable crimes that occur. Don’t leave valuables unattended, even for short periods of time.”
La Mirada’s Special Assignment Officers (SAO) Team will focus on preventing and suppressing criminal activity and nuisance issues in the community. The SAO Team serves a key role in keeping La Mirada among the safest cities. Last year, the team made 193 felony arrests and 384 misdemeanor arrests.
The Public Safety Team also emphasizes that community involvement is a valuable component of keeping La Mirada safe. The team will continue to enhance their visibility as a proactive measure to prevent property crimes and watch for criminal activity.
The Public Safety Team 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 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 Sergeant Rodriguez. “Integrating high visibility enforcement as a standard practice also sends a message that public safety is a priority.”
The City will continue to explore the use of new technology to prevent crime and apprehend offenders. As part of a pilot program this year, video cameras are being installed at Creek Park and 10 automated license plate recognition (ALPR) systems are being installed at 10 intersections. The ALPR systems will capture vehicle information and alert the Public Safety Team of stolen or wanted vehicles, and provide key information for criminal investigations.
For more information on the annual crime report and the City’s crime prevention efforts, contact the La Mirada Community Sheriff’s Station at (562) 902-2960.
Source: City of La Mirada