Overall, Seal Beach crime went down 4% from 2022 to 2023, according to statistics recently released by the Seal Beach Police Department. (For details and actual numbers, see the table on this page.)
The positive news: Assault decreased 6%. Burglaries decreased 11%. Drug crimes decreased 40%.
The negative news: Larceny and theft increased 16%.
In other news, the SBPD has completed its transition to the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System from the Uniform Crime Reporting standard. (See the story below on this page.)
Crime in 2022 versus 2023: Down 4% overall
The crime statistics for Seal Beach in 2022 and 2023 present a nuanced view of law enforcement challenges and successes during these periods. While the overall reported crimes decreased by 4% as compared to 2023 from 2022, indicating a positive trend, specific categories witnessed notable shifts.
• Assault offenses saw a modest decrease of 6%. Burglary and motor vehicle theft showed decreases of 11% and 16%, respectively, indicating progress in reducing property-related crimes. Drug offenses saw a significant decline of 40%, signaling potential shifts in drug-related laws and penalties. Weapons laws offenses also saw a drastic decrease of 69%.
• The significant increase in larceny and theft, particularly encompassing organized retail theft, reflects a notable trend in Seal Beach’s crime statistics from 2022 to 2023. The 16% rise in these offenses underscores the challenges posed by organized retail crime and highlights the need for targeted enforcement and preventive measures.
• Organized retail crime, characterized by coordinated theft activities targeting retail businesses, has become a pervasive issue not just in Seal Beach but across California and the nation. These crimes often involve sophisticated tactics such as pushouts, return scams, and grab-and-runs, resulting in substantial financial losses for retailers and consumers.
The surge in larceny and theft offenses can be attributed to various factors, including economic conditions, societal factors, and evolving criminal strategies. Economic downturns or uncertainties can contribute to an increase in theft-related crimes as individuals may resort to illegal means to meet financial needs.
Addressing the increase in larceny and theft requires a multifaceted approach that combines proactive law enforcement strategies, community engagement, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with retail partners. The Seal Beach Police Department’s Directed Enforcement Operations targeting retail theft during the holiday season exemplify this approach, aiming to disrupt organized theft rings and recover stolen property.
Police urge reporting crime
Readers should note, crime statistics only reflect crimes reported to or discovered by the police.
The SBPD emphasizes the importance of reporting all crimes, regardless of the likelihood of prosecution. Reporting crimes is crucial for identifying trends, allocating police resources effectively, and developing targeted enforcement strategies.
It fosters community cooperation, prevents further criminal activity, supports victims, and ensures justice. Additionally, a high rate of crime reporting deters potential offenders by increasing their perceived risk of being caught. Accurate and timely crime reports help the police be proactive, maintain public safety, and strengthen trust between the community and law enforcement.
How to report crimes:
• Emergency Situations: Dial 911 for immediate police assistance in emergencies or if a crime is in progress.
• Non-Emergency Situations: Contact the Seal Beach Police Department’s non- emergency line 562-594-7232 for incidents that do not require immediate intervention.
The SBPD encourages all residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities or crimes.
