Crime numbers static in Newport

The number of serious crimes in Newport Beach has likely stayed flat from 2005 to 2006, according to preliminary statistics released by police to the Daily Pilot. This year there were 2% fewer incidents than last year, statistics show.

Crimes tabulated include homicides, assaults and rapes, and property crimes such as thefts, burglaries and larcenies.

The statistics have only been compiled through November of this year, but police said they didn't expect this month's numbers to change estimates radically.

California police departments are required to report statistics on these crimes to the California Department of Justice annually.

The statistics show Newport Beach has a relatively high number of property crimes, with about 1,500 thefts and about 500 burglaries each year. Yet violence is rare. For example, there were no homicides this year and three the year before.

The statistics fit conventional wisdom about the city and reflected hard work to keep crime down year after year, Newport Beach Sgt. Evan Sailor said.

"We've always suffered from a high amount of property crime," he said. "People know we're a target-rich environment, with the amount of wealth in our city."

Officers worked hard to control property crime, Sailor said. Crime prevention specialists went out into the community to educate people about locking doors on cars and homes, and officers aggressively patrolled neighborhoods to deter crooks.

Upon hearing the numbers from the Daily Pilot, Newport Beach Councilwoman Leslie Daigle said they reflected excellent police work. "I think our Police Department's doing a great job, especially considering the challenges they face," she said. "More than 9 million visitors come to our city every year. That's a lot of people and a lot of activity."

NEWPORT BEACH CRIME STATISTICS