Community involvement leads to lower crime rates

I am encouraged to read the Opinions section of the Village News where Fallbrook citizens discuss issues related to crime and public safety in Fallbrook. As any good law enforcement professional will tell you, community involvement and awareness leads to lower crime rates. During the Rice Fire, our staff had the responsibility of providing public safety services without the majority of our citizens in their homes. It took over 200 deputies, officers, and agents to protect your property, and even then we could not stop every crime. Each of you are our eyes and ears and have a tremendous impact on how safe our town is.

Here are some facts as it relates to crime in Fallbrook. Overall incidents of crime dropped 17% in Fallbrook. The numbers of individual crimes committed in Fallbrook in nearly every category dropped in 2007 as compared to 2006. Homicide, rape, robbery, residential burglary, commercial burglary, and thefts were all lower. Some categories such as thefts and burglaries were significantly lower. Statistics for the first quarter of 2008 show similar declines in overall crime as compared to 2007.

Notwithstanding, we are not satisfied; we still have work to do. There were 19 more vehicle thefts and 49 more aggravated assaults in 2007 as compared to 2006, and we are looking for ways to make an impact in these areas. We, and I say WE: our citizens and our staff have done an excellent job of dealing with the issue of crime. You call and we come. Our citizens are proactive and we will continue to be proactive.

Even though we feel ultimately supported by all of you, I ask you to consider how you might become involved in making our town even safer. First and foremost, call us when you see any suspected crime or suspicious activity. Your call is never a bother. Here are some other options. Be vigilant and follow sound crime prevention practices. Our Crime Prevention Specialist is available for consultations free of charge. Consider starting a Neighborhood Watch on your block. If you are responsible for an apartment complex, enter the process to become a certified Crime Free Multi-Housing Community. Maybe some might be interested in becoming a Senior Volunteer? You can call the Fallbrook Substation and we will facilitate any of these processes.

Fallbrook is great town in which to live, work, and play. With your help we will keep it that way.