PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY — The number of robberies, burglaries, car thefts and other Part 1 crimes reported during the holiday season dropped by 26 percent overall in Downtown and 5 percent citywide, according to statistics released Tuesday by the Santa Monica Police Department.
Officers compared crime statistics from Nov. 25 to Dec. 27, 2011 to those collected during the same time in 2010.
SMPD Chief Tim Jackman said the decrease in crime was the result of the “holiday deployment plan,” which was developed by his command staff in collaboration with Downtown Santa Monica Inc., Santa Monica Place, the Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau and merchants on Montana Avenue and Main Street.
Commanders used statistical analysis to develop that plan, which relied on sworn officers, civilian employees and volunteers to counter the spike in crimes typically scene in Downtown during the holidays.
“The huge success of the 2011 holiday deployment plan is due to the focused efforts and persistence of all personnel involved and our community partners,” Jackman said.
Additional resources were used to increase visibility at the busiest times, Jackman said. Officers were assigned on bicycles, foot and in vehicles on the Third Street Promenade, Main Street and Montana Avenue to reduce incidents of shoplifting, auto burglary and robbery. Volunteers staffed crime prevention booths on the promenade to provide another set of eyes and ears and to act as a deterrent.
kevinh@www.smdp.com
