Crime continues to decline across California, continuing a long-term trend that began in the 1990s, says the California Department of Justice. With the exception of rape, nearly every type of crime fell in 2018. Rape cases are up “in large part because law enforcement officials broadened the definition of the crime in 2013,” according to the Sacramento Bee.
The Bee has a report showing which crimes fell and by how much. There were 1,739 homicides in 2018, a 5% decrease from the previous year and a 12% decrease since 2009. There were 54,312 robberies, down 4% from 2017 and 15% from 2019. Aggravated assaults were down 5% since 2009, burglaries 28%, and motor vehicle thefts 5%.
The figures show a dramatic 78% increase in rapes. One of the definitional changes implemented in 2013 was the inclusion of male victims, suggesting rape incidents were always much higher than previously thought.
Another interesting detail is a significant decrease in crimes committed by those under 30 years old, coupled with a slight increase in crimes committed by those over 30.
The decrease in crime rates is not equal across the state. The Bee’s report allows you to search Department of Justice stats by county. Find data for yours here.