San Marino Theft and Burglary Increased, FBI Crime Data Shows

San Marino property crime increased by 67 incidents from 2009 to 2010, according to 2010 FBI Uniform Crime Reports released Monday.

“We deal with such small numbers that I hate to draw conclusions,” San Marino Police Department Sergeant Jay Wilburn told Patch Tuesday. “I try not to be too alarmed when I see changes like that.”

Each year the FBI releases its Uniform Crime Reports, which include an Offenses Known to Law Enforcement category based on agencies submitting 12 months of complete offense data for that year.

“In the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, property crime includes the offenses of burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson,” according to the FBI website. “The object of the theft-type offenses is the taking of money or property, but there is no force or threat of force against the victims.”

San Marino larceny-theft showed the most significant increase in the property crime category—up by 44 incidents—followed by burglary, which increased by 25 incidents.

Aggravated assault and violent crime also increased, but on a smaller scale, and forcible rape and robbery decreased by two incidents each.

Crime data for San Marino’s Offenses Known to Law Enforcement for 2009 and 2010 can be found and compared in the table attached to this article.

Wilburn said that property crime still seems to be most common for 2011, but could not give a definitive projection.

“They’re pretty much on par,” said Wilburn. “We took a big hit last year and it has kind of leveled off. I’m not sure if that’s driven by the state of the economy. I don’t see us having a huge change in 2011.”

Wilburn suggested San Marino residents join to help keep incidents to a minimum, in addition to the SMPD's efforts.

"Probably the largest tool to decrease property crime is to be active, be alert and get involved," said Wilburn.