Serious crimes reported in West Hollywood last month continued to remain low, with an increase of only 3% from February 2016, according to a report by the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station. In January, the increase was only 2% from the same month last year.
The report lists 120 serious crimes last month compared to 117 in the same month last year. The largest percentage increase was in the Center City area, which runs from La Cienega Boulevard to Fairfax Avenue. The report lists 36 serious crimes in that area last month, an increase of 38%. A big factor was car break-ins (11 incidents), which were up 83% from February 2016. Overall there were 38 reported car break-ins across the city last month, a 73% increase from the same month last year. The West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station has issued several statements advising residents not to leave items in their cars, whether parking on the street or in a garage.
The city’s Eastside, whose residents have expressed concerns about a perceived increase in crimes, actually had the lowest number of serious crimes in February and saw a big decline (11%) from last year. Petty theft, the theft of property worth less than $950, accounted for the largest proportion of Eastside crimes, with nine incidents. However reports of petty theft were down 50% from February 2016. The Eastside area stretches from Fairfax to La Brea,
The Westside, which ranges from La Cienega to Doheny and incorporates the Boystown nightlife area, saw a 4% increase in serious crimes. Vehicle burglaries there (21) were up 110% in February 2017 from 2016 and accounted for the largest number of reported crimes. Reported incidents of petty theft fell by a third from 18 in February 2016 to 12 last month.
