LOMPOC - Crime records for 2011 released by the Lompoc Police Department show certain crimes were up in the city, while others were down.
"It's kind of a mixed bag, burglaries are up, we have a significant increase in property crime here in Lompoc, but some of the good news is violent crime is down significantly as well, says Tim Dabney, who is the Lompoc Police Chief.
Overall, burglaries increased 65% from a year ago. In 2010, there were 154 reported cases. In 2011, that number jumped to 232.
Chief Dabney attributes the rise to a number of factors. "We know the economics in California are tough right now, also the AB 109 release of prisoners, some of the offenders committing some of the property crimes are those offenders."
While burglaries were up in the city over the past year, in the last two years, violent crimes are not just down, but way down. Aggravated assault dropped 25%, while robbery has plummeted 49%.
"We've made a concerned effort to address violent crime and gang involvement in our community, both on the prevention end and on the enforcement end."
Mayor John Linn likes what he sees in the statistics.
"This is a very safe town. You can walk almost anywhere, anytime. We don't have the issues other communities have. It's a very safe community for our residents."
To make sure the city stays safe, Chief Dabney urges residents to do their part.
"Be vigilant over their neighborhood, be the eyes and ears for local law enforcement, take care of their neighborhood and if they see something suspicious, report it."
