Fallbrook crime rate down despite increase in county crime

While crimes around the county have seen an increase, the SANDAG Criminal Justice Research Division has found that Fallbrook has actually seen a decrease in overall crime rates per 1,000 population in violent crimes and property crimes.

Since 1980, the SANDAG Criminal Justice Clearinghouse has been compiling and analyzing crime statistics from the 18 cities and unincorporated parts of the county, and remains the only source for regional statistics. The data is useful to local law enforcement agencies as they track the effectiveness of their prevention and response efforts.

According to the report, Fallbrook saw an 18 percent decrease in annualized FBI index crime rates per 1,000 population from 2012 to 2016. The FBI crime index includes homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft.

In terms of violent crimes, which includes homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, Fallbrook saw a 21 percent decrease from 2012 to 2015, and a 12 percent decrease from 2015-2016. In terms of property crime, which includes burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft, Fallbrook saw a 17 percent decrease from 2012 to 2015, and stayed the same from 2015-2016.

"For me to say this is all because of the deputy's sheriff's work would be inaccurate," said Fallbrook Sheriff's commander Lt. David Gilmore. "Overall the community has done a lot to protect itself. Residents have been using crime prevention efforts, such as not leaving their purse in the front seat or leaving keys in their cars."

Gilmore also stated deputies are working hard to arrest prolific offenders.

"We are focusing on them so they don't have a chance to be comfortable," said Gilmore. "They literally are not here to do the crime. There is a synergy of community members protecting themselves and their property, and the work of detectives tracking down these offenders."

Other ways that crime rates have dropped is the interaction of the community with various agencies and resources that provide protection and education about crime.

"We have Jake Kruger, our crime prevention specialist, who reaches out to apartment complexes and works with folks living there to provide a crime-free multi-housing program," said Gilmore. "He regularly communicates with managers, and makes it less conducive for those who want to commit crimes. Kruger also will go out to someone's home for a security review, and show someone how to set up their windows, locks and doors."

"There are some big programs in the community, like the GANAS (Guide, Advise, Nurture, And Support) program that helps neighbors," continued Gilmore. "While we can't measure the impact directly, we know that these programs are a great help."

Gilmore suggests that Fallbrook residents continue to protect each other and themselves by being vigilant and proactive.

"We ask that people continue to protect their personal property," said Gilmore. "Lock your doors and keep an eye out to protect your property. I think it's just about being a good steward with your property, and [the deputies] can keep focusing on who comes into our community."