The City of Loma Linda contracts with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for police services and as one of those services, the Sheriff’s Department annually publishes a crime report for the public. Using the most current edition, ‘2018 Annual Crime Report,’ the Sheriff’s Department “collects, analyzes, and reports the statistical data to the F.B.I. Crime Report Division,” which is then used to help measure crime levels and evaluate the service needs of different communities.
In the last five years, the City of Loma Linda has experienced an overall 10 percent increase in violent crime, according to the 2018 Annual Crime Report.
The report provides annual statistics for six different violent crime categories: murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault and simple assault. In 2014, there were 134 violent crimes reported and five years later the total was up by 14.
Although overall violent crime increased by 10 percent, there have not been any reports of murder or manslaughter since 2012, according to the County’s 2013 Annual Crime Report.
Simple assault in Loma Linda has increased by 16 percent with 93 accounts reported in 2014 to 108 reported in 2018. Robbery has decreased by 41 percent with 17 accounts reported in 2014 and 10 reported in 2018. Loma Linda residents can visit the city’s website for home security tips and for families that have big summer plans, which will leave your home empty for several days, the city’s website also provides home safety tips for vacations.
Despite the 10 percent increase in violent crime, there has been an overall 12 percent decrease in property crime in Loma Linda, according to the report. There has been an overall decrease in the number of burglaries and grand theft autos reported. In 2014, there were 171 reports of burglary and in 2018, there was 125. In addition, in 2014 there were 176 reports of grand theft auto and in 2018 it decreased by 44 percent to 98 reports.
If you and your family are planning a long getaway this summer, we encourage you all to have fun and take the necessary precautions before leaving home.
Some helpful tips from the city include:
· Use automatic timers on interior lights. A timer can also be used on a portable radio.
· If you will be gone for an extended period of time, arrange to have your lawn mowed. It is also a good idea to ask a neighbor to park a car in your driveway and to use your garbage container.
· Check all doors and windows to make sure they are securely locked. If any locks need to be replaced or reinforced, make these improvements before you leave.
· A trusted neighbor should be: Informed of your vacation plans; when you are leaving and expected return date.
· Please visit LomaLinda-ca.gov for more helpful tips.