Vaca, Fairfield crime is down

Vaca, Fairfield crime is down
By Kimberly K. Fu/ KFu@TheReporter.com
Posted: 07/17/2009

Statistics released this week reveal that major crime in both Vacaville and Fairfield took a nosedive from January to June, compared to last year's figures, and officials in both cities credit the drop to good police work and community partnership.

In Vacaville, a 3.2 percent overall decrease was noted Wednesday.

Violent crime -- homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault -- slipped 13.2 percent, with 17 fewer robberies and eight fewer sexual assaults this year than last. The only bump was in aggravated assaults, which rose by five instances.

Property crime, meanwhile, fell by 1.7 percent. Thefts were down by 44 cases and auto thefts by 29.

Burglaries, however, were up: Residential burglaries by 28 cases; commercial ones, by 13; and vehicular burglaries, by 14.

No instances of arson were reported during either year.

Vacaville Police Chief Richard Word said the rise in burglaries likely was linked to the foundering economy. And, possibly, mere opportunity.

"There's still a lot of people leaving stuff in their cars," Word said. "People just have to be vigilant, lock their cars and windows."

Also, he advised, keep valuables at home or, at least, well-hidden.

In Fairfield, the city experienced a welcome 16.9 percent slump in major crime, compared to 2008.

Violent crime dipped by 20 percent, with 29 fewer robberies and 21 fewer aggravated assaults. Reports of rape fell by two.

Property crimes fell by 17 percent. There were 298 fewer thefts and 67 fewer auto thefts. The only jump was a slight rise in burglaries, not including vehicular burglaries, by 10 cases.

"Fairfield crime statistics through June of 2009 are at a 10-year low," Lt. Bob Bunting said in a press release.