As mid-year statistics are evaluated, the City of Ventura has experienced an overall increase in Part I Crime of just under 1%. Despite a slight reduction in reported property crimes through the first half of 2021, violent crime is up by 23%, with an increase in sexual assaults and robberies at 53% and 32% respectively, accounting for most of the increase.
It’s likely that the lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions has had an impact on public behavior and crime rates. Last year, during the pandemic lockdowns and business closures, violent crime fell substantially. The increasing trend so far this year is indicative of the crime rates Ventura experienced in previous years.
As 2021 progresses, the Ventura Police Department looks forward to continuing to strengthen community partnerships and relationships by bringing back outreach events such as Coffee with a Cop, National Night Out, the Community Academy, in-person Neighborhood Watch Meetings, and Curbside Coffee Chats at local schools.
Community members interested in learning more about crime in their neighborhoods and in our city are encouraged to visit the Ventura Police Department’s online, interactive Community Crime Map at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/CrimeMap.
