Palo Alto Police Report Final Crime Stats of 2012

There hasn’t been a murder in Palo Alto since 2009 when Bulos “Paul” Zumot killed his girlfriend, Jennifer Schipsi. Zumot is now serving 33 years in prison for the killing.

Palo Alto residents can take great comfort in knowing that they live in a safe city with few violent crimes. Statisticians with the Palo Alto Police Department have compiled crime statistics for 2012 and reported them to the California Department of Justice, which are then forwarded to the FBI for the nation’s annual Uniform Crime Report.

In addition to zero murders for the third consecutive year, there were just five reported rapes, 26 robberies and 23 aggravated assaults. Lt. Zach Perron, Investigative Services Division Manager for the Palo Alto Police Department, says officers work hard to keep the city safe, “Our officers are very proactive. They’re constantly patrolling our neighborhoods and business districts, investigating suspicious behavior whenever they see it or are summoned to it by our residents, and taking enforcement action when appropriate. We also dedicate the necessary resources to proactively address crime trends whenever they come up.

“Also, whenever we do have a violent crime, we aggressively go after the individuals responsible. Since we’re fortunate not to have much violent crime, we can devote all necessary resources to it when it does occur.”

While violent crime statistics are holding steady or declining, property crimes have surged. Residential burglaries increased 52 percent, from 149 in 2011 to 226 in 2012. Larcenies, which include auto burglaries, went up eleven percent, from 943 to 1047.

While the increase in home burglaries is appalling, there is good news to report—police have responded with intensity and crimes have leveled-off. In December, the burglary rate was comparable to previous years. “Our officers continue to focus on residential burglary prevention, investigation, and apprehension,” Perron reassures. “We arrested a remarkable 38 people for residential burglary in 2012, but we still have more work to do.”

The problem is simple, Palo Alto is affluent and crooks know it. They come from all over the Bay Area to break into homes. Palo Alto Police work with agencies up and down the Peninsula, and beyond, to track and arrest criminals.

Want to avoid an auto burglary? Do this one thing—before you get into your car, put all of your belongings into the trunk, especially computer bags, suitcases and shopping bags. When you reach your destination, just hop out of the car and click the lock/alarm. Thieves who are watching people park their cars won’t see you put valuables in the trunk.

Do you need more crime fighting tips? The police department has them online.

The Palo Alto Police Department is transparent, proactive and up-to-date on technology. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. During an emergency, officers turn to social media to directly update the public.

Palo Alto Crimes 2011 2012 Murder 0 0 Rape 3 5 Robbery 25 26 Aggravated Assault 35 23 Residential Burglary 149 226 Commercial Burglary 136 106 Larceny (Including Auto Burglary) 943 1047 Auto Theft 38 48 Elder Abuse 19 18 Child Abuse 61 66 Financial Crimes 275 274

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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