1996 Annual Report
Statistics

The City of Santa Monica experienced an 8.6% decline in Part I crime for 1996 when compared to similar incidents for calendar 1995. This marks the third consecutive year in which major crimes have declined. In 1994, there was a dramatic 18.4% drop which was followed by a 9.2% decline in 1995. The 7,376 Part I crimes are the fewest number in any calendar year dating back to 1973 when 6,631 were recorded.

The major crimes, referred to as Part I crimes by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in their annual Uniform Crime Report (UCR) program, consist of homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, larceny, and arson. Since the Santa Monica Fire Department has been entrusted with the reporting and investigation requirements of arson incidents, these numbers are purposely not included in this report. Homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault are considered crimes against persons and are also referred to as "violent crimes." Burglary, motor vehicle theft, and other larcenies are classified as property crimes.

The purpose of the UCR program is to standardize crime reporting nationwide so that crime can be compared regardless of where it occurred. And, crimes are counted only once, by the most significant crime committed. For example, a robbery in which a vehicle is taken by force is counted as a robbery and not included in the auto theft total.