297 Homicides in L.A. so far in 2012

Overall crime down 2 percent in LA during 2012; murders, petty thefts up slightly

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS December 28, 2012 - 1:07 pm EST

LOS ANGELES — Overall crime in Los Angeles has dropped for a 10th consecutive year, but there were slight increases in murders and petty thefts.

The Los Angeles Times reports (Crime drops in L.A. for 10th straight year - latimes.com) that crime fell about 2 percent in 2012, a drop smaller than in previous years because of jumps in vehicle and petty thefts.

There have been 297 homicides through Thursday — three more than the same period in 2011. Gang-related crimes were down about 10 percent.

Los Angeles is one of a few major cities to see its overall crime numbers continue to drop.

Police Chief Charlie Beck believes the rise in petty thefts is due partly to the state prison realignment plan that shortened the time many low-level offenders are behind bars.
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Information from: Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times - California, national and world news - latimes.com

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/0cb1f2b2c1f642ab83d792981d88ece9/CA--LA-Crime