Crime rises 5 percent

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006.

The LBCC 2004-2005 comparative crime statistic report totals a 5 percent jump in crimes on both campuses ranging from drugs, motor vehicle theft and weapons to non-rape sex crimes, robbery and stalking.
At the LAC in 2005 motor vehicle theft was the most reported crime and at PCC petty theft was the most common offense, according to a report by Long Beach Police Lt. Julie Prior, who spoke to the Board of Trustees on March 14.
Criminal justice major Angelica Valencia said, "I've never had any crimes committed toward me at school. I feel safe at school because I usually see officers walking around on campus or driving in their cars."
She also said all crimes should be reported because it gives an idea what to look for or if certain patterns are consistent with certain people.
Although some crimes increased in number, other crimes went down in 2005, according to Prior's report. There were no reported rape crimes in 2005. Assault and battery decreased 20 percent. Arson and trespassing were reported less and vandalism is on a decline.
In a monthly crime report for February 2006, a robber with a simulated gun, three motor vehicle thefts, two automobile burglaries and two incidents of vandalism were reported. Also, 1,110 parking citations were issued. The total crimes for both campuses in February reached 38 with no arrests documented.
"Our busy shift with the most sporadic crimes usually happen during the day," Prior said. "Crimes during the graveyard shift, 11 p.m.-7 a.m., happen the least."
In an interview, Prior explained students should not leave valuables in plain sight.
"If you leave something out, you're inviting someone to steal," Prior said. "Students should lock and secure valuable items in the trunk."
Questions and problems may be reported to campus police at 938-4910 or 435-6711.