Jan 5, 2009 5:59 pm US/Pacific
Los Angeles Crime Rate Lowest Since 1961
LOS ANGELES
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The mayor Monday praised the LAPD for its effort in keeping crime at a 40-year low (file).
AP
Crime was at a historic low in Los Angeles during 2008, which Mayor Villaraigosa Monday attributed to more police officers and interagency relationships.
There were 381 murders in 2008, 15 fewer than the previous year, and the lowest number since 1969 when there were 377 homicides. New York and Chicago, in contrast, saw their murder rates increase in 2008.
"From the Valley to Boyle Heights, from West L.A. to South L.A., violence subsided in our neighborhoods. Gang crime continues to decline thanks to the remarkable work and the bravery of the men and women of the LAPD," Villaraigosa said.
Of those 381 murders, 161 occurred between 6 p.m. and midnight, while 94 occurred on a Saturday night or early Sunday morning, Deputy Chief Charlie Beck said.
About two-thirds of the murders took place on a sidewalk or in the street, and 85 percent of killings were committed with a gun.
Summer, which officers typically expect to be the most violent time of year, was relatively calm. The 20 murders in July were the fewest number for the month since 1966.
August and September numbers also hit almost 40-year lows.
There were fewer violent crimes than any other year since 1967 and the fewest number of property crimes since 1959. Overall crime was the lowest it has been since 1961.
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)
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