The statistics released Thursday cover so-called part one crimes — homicides, rapes, robberies, aggravated assaults, burglary, larceny and vehicle theft. Overall, it shows arrests and citations soared 42 percent, while a number of reported crimes in the above categories plummeted by more than a third. But, the figures only present a limited picture.
Due to changes in computer systems and how information has been collected and compiled, the figures released Thursday only compare figures from May, June and July with the same months last year.
Chico Police Chief Michael O’Brien said the figures are encouraging. He said the force has been able to restore positions lost during the recession and that it’s been better able to take initiative, rather than triaging calls for help.
O’Brien said the number of violent crimes remains low.
“The vast majority of our crime, is theft related. Burglary, vehicle theft and then just larceny, general theft,” he said. “And that is by far the most reported crime that we have in this community.”
O’Brien said with the department closer to full strength and more able to respond, residents are reporting a higher proportion of incidents.
